North Carolina -- February 5. 2026: North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) launched new outreach tools. These resources aim to inform residents and curb the spread of the disease in the region.
Since late December 2025, North Carolina has confirmed 15 measles cases, with a concentration in western North Carolina, including Buncombe and Polk counties. This increase is connected to a large outbreak in upstate South Carolina, which has seen nearly 900 cases. The NCDHHS outreach tools include text alerts for potential exposures and a measles tracking dashboard.
Key Locations and Exposures
Buncombe County has reported six cases, including three siblings who had visited Spartanburg County, S.C. Potential exposures occurred at Mission Hospital Emergency Department waiting room (509 Biltmore Ave., Asheville) on Jan. 4 from 2-6:30 a.m. and on Jan. 16 in the evening. Individuals who were present should monitor for symptoms until Feb. 7. In Polk County, exposures occurred at Food Lion in Columbus from 6-8 p.m. on Jan. 16; monitor until Feb. 6. Two cases have also been reported in Cabarrus County. The cases are largely focused in WNC, with no cases reported in the Triangle area.
NCDHHS Press Release:
As part of ongoing outreach efforts, NCDHHS has launched text notifications to report potential measles exposures. These text messages will help quickly notify people who may have been near a confirmed measles case and provide timely information on next steps to protect their health and the health of others.
People who receive a text message may have been present at a location during a specific date and time when exposure could have occurred. Receiving a text message does not mean a person has measles, but it does mean they may have been exposed and should follow the provided guidelines. In addition to text messages, people may be contacted by their local health department or a member of the North Carolina Public Health Outreach Team via phone call, email, or in-person visit.
Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease transmitted through direct person-to - person contact, as well as through the air. The virus can survive for up to two hours in the air where an infected person was present. Measles symptoms typically begin 7 to 14 days after exposure, but can appear up to 21 days later, and may include:
High fever (may rise to over 104 degrees)
Cough
Runny nose
Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
Small white spots on the inside of the cheeks, gums, and roof of the mouth (Koplik spots) two or three days after symptoms begin
A red, raised, blotchy rash; it usually starts on the face, spreads to the torso, arms, and legs three to five days after symptoms begin
Measles can also cause complications such as diarrhea, pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and suppression of the immune system.
To increase measles awareness, NCDHHS has also created a measles toolkit that includes brochures, charts, and other materials for distribution. Anyone who shares measles information with their community—including healthcare professionals, team leaders, community and business leaders, and nonprofit organizations—can use and adapt these resources.
North Carolina residents can contact their healthcare provider or local health department for more information on how to get the vaccine and to schedule an appointment. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is also available at many retail pharmacies, but people are encouraged to call to check availability. Children who qualify for the Vaccines for Children program can also receive the vaccine from a provider enrolled in that program. The NCDHHS Measles Immunity Checker tool is also available for those who are unsure whether they might need additional protection.
The recent surge in cases is linked to the outbreak in South Carolina. North Carolina had few cases. Dropping kindergarten vaccination rates below the 95% herd immunity threshold increases vulnerability. Individuals experiencing symptoms should contact their local health departments or health care providers. Additional information is available at dph.ncdhhs.gov/measles.
WNCTimes
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