You may have heard about a recent measles case in North Carolina — the state's first in 2025.
In June, a child visiting Forsyth and Guilford counties became sick while traveling. The child was visiting from another country with known measles outbreaks. This led to possible measles exposures at eight public places in Greensboro and Kernersville.
Quick public health response and high vaccination rates helped prevent spread to others.
What is measles and why is it serious?
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases on the planet. It spreads through the air when someone coughs or sneezes and can stay in the air for hours.
Measles can lead to serious health problems. It's especially dangerous for babies and children, and in pregnancy.
In 2025, measles cases continue to rise in the U.S., with confirmed cases this year in at least 39 states. That's why it's so important to protect yourself and your family.
Protect yourself and others
The best way to protect yourself is to be sure you've had the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Nine out of 10 people who have not gotten the MMR vaccine will get measles if they are exposed.
Talk with your health care provider if:
- You or your child are not vaccinated against measles. (Tips for locating your vaccine record)
- You're unsure if you're immune to measles. (How to know if you're immune)
Children who are not vaccinated are at highest risk of complications. Children should get the first dose at 12-15 months and a second dose at 4-6 years of age. Children are required to get vaccinated to attend child care or school in North Carolina.
You may be able to find no-cost vaccine locations near you. Eligible children 18 or younger can get vaccines at no cost through the Vaccines for Children program.
Vaccination works. It protects you and also people who can't be vaccinated, like infants and people with compromised immune systems.
Tips and resources
- Know the symptoms and how measles spreads
- What to do if you were exposed to measles
- Traveling? What you should know
What happened in June: Public health in action
When a measles case was found in North Carolina in June, local and state public health workers worked quickly to:
- Contact everyone who might have been exposed (more about communicable disease outreach)
- Help people get tested
- Work with health care providers to make sure they knew how to respond
- Check vaccination records and offer vaccines to anyone who needed one
This quick action helped keep everyone safe.
This is what public health looks like — behind the scenes, working every day to keep our communities healthy.
North Carolina remains on alert
Our state public health experts continue tracking measles trends in other states and globally. It's important to catch cases early and take fast action to stop the spread.
"Getting vaccinated against measles continues to be the most important step we can take to protect ourselves and our loved ones."
NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai
Thank you, North Carolina, for keeping your vaccines up to date. And thank you to our public health teams working every day to keep our communities safe.
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