Key Exposure Details
If you were at the following locations during these times, you may have been exposed:
Polk Central Elementary: All day on Dec. 18, 2025.
Mercy Urgent Care Foothills: Between 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Dec. 23, 2025.
Important Health Facts
High Contagion: Measles is spread through the air and can live in a room for up to two hours after an infected person has left.
Infection Risk: Roughly 90% of unvaccinated people will become infected if exposed to the virus.
Symptoms: Look for a high fever (up to 104°F+), cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A red, blotchy rash typically appears 3–5 days after symptoms start.
Koplik Spots: Watch for tiny white spots inside the mouth/gums that appear 2–3 days after initial symptoms.
Incubation Period: Symptoms can take anywhere from 7 to 21 days to appear after exposure.
National Context (2025 Statistics)
Record Highs: As of Dec. 30, the CDC reports 2,065 confirmed cases across 44 states—the highest number in more than three decades.
Outbreaks: 49 distinct outbreaks have been reported this year, with 88% of all cases associated with these clusters.
Severity: 11% of cases resulted in hospitalization, and three deaths have been recorded nationwide.
Local History: This is NC's second case of 2025; the first involved an international traveler in June.
Action Steps for North Carolin Residents
Check Records: Review your immunization records or contact your doctor to ensure you have received the MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) vaccine.
Call Ahead: If you develop symptoms, call your doctor or the emergency room before arriving to prevent spreading the virus to other patients in the waiting area.
Immunity Tool: Use the NCDHHS "measles immunity checker tool" online if you are unsure of your protection status.
Local Resources: Contact the Polk County Health Department for information on scheduling a vaccination.
WNCTimes