Buncombe County -- January 20, 2026: Buncombe County health officials have issued a measles alert following confirmation of new cases, raising concerns about potential exposure at two locations. This is the sixth measles case in the county since December.
Potential Exposure Locations
One location of potential exposure is the Food Lion, 35 Westridge Market Place, Candler, Jan. 13 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Mission Hospital Emergency Department Waiting Room, 509 Biltmore Ave., Asheville, Jan. 16 from 5:15 p.m. to 7:50 p.m. and again from 10 p.m. to midnight
The health department recommends that individuals who may have been exposed check their immunity status. People born before 1957 are generally considered immune. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has launched a Measles Cases and Outbreaks Dashboard, updated twice weekly.
Vaccination Information
The MMR vaccine is available at the Buncombe County Immunizations Clinic, located at 40 Coxe Ave. in Asheville. Walk-ins are accepted Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8-11:30 a.m., and Tuesday and Thursday from 1-4:30 p.m.
Symptoms of measles, including fever, cough, red eyes, and rash, can appear 7-21 days after exposure. Individuals are infectious from four days before the rash appears to four days after. If exposed, it is recommended to call a doctor before visiting in person.
Buncombe County Public Health Director Dr. Ellis Matheson said in a news release. “To help stop the spread of this highly contagious disease, please call ahead and let them know your symptoms, Measles is one of the most contagious diseases out there, and calling ahead ensures we keep our most vulnerable population safe.”
WNCTimes