NCDHHS is reporting two new measles cases in siblings in Buncombe County. This brings the total number of measles cases in North Carolina to seven since late December. Both of the newly reported cases are connected to the ongoing outbreak in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. On Tuesday, South Carolina health officials announced 124 new cases, bringing the total number related to their outbreak to 434.
To keep the public informed, NCDHHS has launched a new Measles Cases and Outbreaks Dashboard. The dashboard will be updated around noon twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays, with new case and exposure information. To protect privacy, no personal details about people who are sick will be shared.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Family
NCDHHS recommends that anyone age 1 year and older who is not vaccinated get the measles vaccine. Vaccination helps protect you and the people around you.
If you plan to travel — either outside the U.S. or to an area with a measles outbreak — talk with your health care provider about getting vaccinated before you go.
Immunization Recommendations for Travelers
What to Do If You Were Exposed
Check the list of measles exposure locations to see if you may have been exposed.
If you were exposed but do not have symptoms, testing is not recommended.
Watch for symptoms, which can appear 7 to 21 days after exposure. Symptoms include fever and rash.
If symptoms develop:
- Contact your local health department right away
- Stay away from other people
- Call ahead before going to a doctor’s office or emergency room so steps can be taken to protect others
You may hear from us or your local health department. What to expect during public health outreach for infectious diseases.
Getting the Measles Vaccine
You can get the measles vaccine, the MMR vaccine (measles-mumps-rubella) from:
- Your health care provider
- Your local health department
Children who qualify for the Vaccines for Children program may receive the vaccine at no cost from enrolled providers.
Not sure if you’re protected? NCDHHS offers a measles immunity checker tool to help you decide if you need another dose.
What Is Measles?
Measles is a very contagious disease, but it can be prevented with a vaccine. It spreads through the air and by close contact with someone who is infected. The virus can stay in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area.
Common Measles Symptoms
Symptoms usually start 7 to 14 days after exposure, but they can take up to 21 days to appear. Symptoms may include:
- High fever (sometimes more than 104 degrees)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Small white spots inside the mouth two to three days after symptoms start
- A red, blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads to the body three to five days after symptoms start
Why Vaccination Matters
Measles can cause serious health problems, including pneumonia, brain swelling, diarrhea and a weakened immune system.
The MMR vaccine provides strong protection against measles infection. It's the best way to protect yourself, your family and your community from severe illness. Vaccines help prevent hospital stays and can save lives.
Parents are urged to make sure their children are up to date on all childhood vaccines, including the measles vaccine.
Learn more: Measles and the MMR vaccine
Related press release: Additional Measles Cases in North Carolina, NCDHHS Shares New Measles Dashboard