Buncombe County -- January 15, 2026: Two New Cases of Measles in Children Confirmed in Buncombe County
Buncombe County Health and Human Services, in coordination with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), has confirmed two additional cases of measles in preschool- and school-aged siblings in Buncombe County. These cases bring the total number of measles cases identified in North Carolina to seven since late December, with five of those in Buncombe County.
The cases are connected to an ongoing measles outbreak in Spartanburg County, SC. To protect patient privacy, no additional identifying information will be released. The affected children are currently in isolation, and public health officials are actively conducting contact tracing. Administrators from the school where the children attend are contacting parents and guardians to make them aware of the possible exposure. All individuals who may have been exposed are in the process of being notified by public health staff and provided with guidance to reduce the risk of further spread.
“Measles is one of the most contagious diseases we encounter, but it is also highly preventable,” said Dr. Ellis Matheson, Public Health Director for Buncombe County. “Our team is working quickly to identify exposed individuals, ensure appropriate follow-up, and protect our community. Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles and its potentially serious complications.”
NCDHHS continues to recommend that all unvaccinated individuals ages one year and older receive the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Individuals are also encouraged to speak with their health care provider about vaccination before traveling, particularly to areas experiencing outbreaks.
Laboratory testing is not recommended for individuals who were exposed unless they develop symptoms of measles. Symptoms may appear seven to 21 days after exposure and include fever and rash. Anyone who develops symptoms should contact their local health department immediately, limit contact with others, and call ahead before visiting a health care provider or emergency department to help prevent additional exposures.
Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease that spreads through direct person-to-person contact and through the air. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. Symptoms of measles may include:
High fever (may exceed 104°F)
Cough
Runny nose
Red, watery eyes
Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots)
A red, blotchy rash that typically starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body
Measles can also cause serious complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), diarrhea, and immune system suppression. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles infection.
With the risk of community spread increasing, Buncombe County Public Health urges parents and caregivers to ensure children are up to date on all recommended childhood immunizations. Residents who are unsure of their immunity status can contact their health care provider or local health department for guidance. Children eligible for the Vaccines for Children program may receive the vaccine at no cost through participating providers.
Additional information about measles and the MMR vaccine is available at dph.ncdhhs.gov/measles.
WNCTimes