Hendersonville-- January 16, 2026: In response to a sharp rise in regional measles cases and seasonal respiratory illnesses, UNC Health Pardee has officially reinstated temporary masking requirements for all individuals entering its high-traffic care settings.
Effective at 8:00 a.m. today, Friday, January 16, the new mandate applies to all teammates, patients, and visitors at the following locations:
Pardee Emergency Department
All Pardee Urgent Care locations (including Hendersonville, Brevard, and Mills River)
Proactive Measures Against Measles Outbreak The decision follows a series of confirmed measles cases across Western North Carolina and a significant outbreak in neighboring Spartanburg County, South Carolina. As of mid-January, North Carolina has seen seven confirmed cases since December, five of which are located in Buncombe County.
Health officials are particularly concerned after a confirmed exposure occurred in the Mission Hospital Emergency Department waiting room on January 4. Because measles is highly contagious—capable of living in the air for up to two hours—Pardee leadership opted for a "blanket" masking policy in intake areas to prevent similar exposures.
Current Visitor Restrictions Pardee Hospital also remains under the strict visitor guidelines that were implemented on December 30, 2025, to combat the winter surge of flu and RSV:
Age Minimum: No visitors under the age of 11 are permitted in inpatient or waiting areas.
Visitor Limit: Patients are restricted to two (2) visitors at a time.
Symptom Screening: Anyone exhibiting a cough, fever, runny nose, or sore throat is asked to stay home and avoid visiting hospital facilities unless they are seeking medical treatment themselves.
Guidance for Patients Hospital officials emphasize that for those experiencing symptoms of measles—such as high fever, watery eyes, and a red, bumpy rash—it is critical to call ahead before arriving at an urgent care or emergency room. This allows staff to provide instructions on how to enter the building safely without exposing other vulnerable patients.
"In the interest of protecting our teammates, patients, and community, we will require masking upon entry to these care settings," the hospital stated in its official release. "Masks will be made available for those who need them.
WNCTimes