Topics Related to Epidemiology

North Carolina has reported its first flu-related death of the 2025-26 season. An adult in the western part of the state died from flu complications in early October.

“This is a sad reminder that flu infections can be serious and, in some cases, even fatal. We encourage everyone to take preventative measures against flu and other respiratory illnesses like getting your yearly flu shot, regularly washing your hands, covering your cough and staying home when sick to avoid infecting others.”

— State Epidemiologist Dr. Zack Moore

Starting in April, wildlife officials will be dropping rabies vaccine baits in western North Carolina to help protect people, pets and wildlife from rabies. NCDHHS is partnering with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on this effort. 

Pharmacies in NC can now give COVID-19 vaccines without a prescription after a short discussion on the benefits and risks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated its recommendations to allow this change.

Due to this update, NCDHHS ended standing orders that allowed pharmacies to give COVID-19 vaccines without prescriptions. These orders are now not needed with the updated CDC recommendations.

As children across NC get ready to head back to school, it's a good time to make sure they are up to date on vaccines. 

Children and teens are more susceptible to certain diseases. Vaccines help protect your child and keep them healthy so they can learn and grow.

North Carolina is investigating its first case of West Nile virus in 2026. The case was in a person who lives in Gaston County. In Mecklenburg County, routine screening found a blood donor had West Nile virus.

Throughout July, NCDHHS State Laboratory of Public Health identified the virus in multiple mosquitoes collected in Cabarrus, Forsyth and Mecklenburg counties.

This is a good reminder to take steps to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites.

Every year on June 27, we recognize National HIV Testing Day (NHTD). It's a day to take care of your health, learn your HIV status and help spread the word about the importance of getting tested.

Whether you’ve been tested before or this would be your first time — now is a great time to take that next step to protect your health.

Here’s how you can take action this National HIV Testing Day:

Preparing family for summer camps and back-to-school requirements? It's now easier to find free childhood vaccines for eligible children.

A new interactive map through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program makes it easy to find nearby providers. You can search by city or ZIP code and connect with local VFC providers who offer free vaccines.