Buncombe County -- February 12. 2026: Buncombe County health officials announced another confirmed case in an adult. Health officials are urging residents to get vaccinated to curb the spread. Free vaccination clinics are available to improve access to the MMR vaccine.
Measles Cases and Exposure Sites
The 7th measles case has been confirmed in Buncombe County Health Director Dr. Jennifer Mullendore and pediatrician Dr. Brigette Fogleman are sounding the alarm for residents to prioritize vaccination. During a recent public forum, officials emphasized that the MMR vaccine is the most powerful defense against this highly contagious virus, which poses a severe threat to unvaccinated children. The risks are significant: roughly one-third of children under five who contract measles require hospitalization, and complications can range from pneumonia to life-altering encephalitis, which may lead to permanent brain damage, hearing loss, or death. With exposure sites being updated twice weekly across North Carolina, the medical community is urging families to take immediate action to prevent further spread and protect the most vulnerable members of the community.
People may have been exposed to measles at the following locations during the times listed, according to a release by the county:
Novant Health – GoHealth Urgent Care at 349 New Leicester Highway, Asheville: Noon-3:45 p.m. Feb. 4 (watch for symptoms through Feb. 25)
MAHEC Family Health Center – Biltmore, 123 Hendersonville Road, Asheville: 2:45-7:30 p.m. Feb. 6 (watch for symptoms through Feb. 27)
Additional measles exposure sites connected to a person with measles who was not a Buncombe County resident at these sites while infectious:
The Inn on Biltmore Estate, 1 Antler Hill Road, Asheville: 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 2-4 p.m. Feb. 3 (watch for symptoms through Feb. 24)
Goodwill Store, 51 Mills Gap Road, Asheville: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Feb. 3 (watch for symptoms through Feb. 24)
Goodwill Store, 86 South Tunnel Road, Asheville: 12:45-3:30 p.m. Feb. 3 (watch for symptoms through Feb. 24)
Symptoms and Transmission
Measles symptoms typically appear 7-14 days after exposure, but can take up to 21 days. Initial symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and white spots inside the mouth, followed by a rash. The virus is highly contagious, spreading through the air and remaining viable for up to two hours. Individuals are infectious from four days before the rash appears to four days after.
Vaccination Information
Buncombe County Health and Human Services is offering free walk-in MMR vaccines for individuals aged 12 months and older at 40 Coxe Ave., Asheville. Clinic hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8-11:30 a.m., and Tuesday and Thursday from 1-4:30 p.m. (Note: Closed 8-9:30 a.m. on January 7, 2026).
Health officials recommend that those born before 1957 are generally considered immune. Others should check their vaccination records or consult with a health care provider. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has launched text alerts for exposures. Individuals experiencing symptoms are advised to stay home and call their health care provider in advance.
The measles outbreak in Buncombe County highlights the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the free vaccination clinics to protect themselves and the community.
To help mitigate the spread, local healthcare facilities are prioritizing the use of specialized airborne isolation rooms for any suspected infections. However, medical experts admit that managing the virus in emergency departments remains a significant hurdle given the unpredictable nature of walk-in traffic. To ensure community safety, health officials are strongly advising anyone exhibiting symptoms—or those who suspect they have been exposed—to call their provider or the facility in advance. This simple step allows medical staff to implement necessary safety protocols before the patient arrives, preventing further exposure to others in waiting areas.
Buncombe County Public Health will continue to monitor for additional measles cases.