Measles Cases and Outbreaks in North Carolina
Current Situation in North Carolina
There have been no new measles cases reported since the week ending Feb. 21, 2026. There are no recent confirmed exposure locations. NCDHHS will share updates if the current situation changes.
Newly Reported Cases
Previous Measles Cases in NC
December 2025-February 2026 Increase in Measles Cases
NCDHHS shared regular updates on NC measles cases and exposures during the increase in measles cases seen from December 2025 through February 2026. What is a case? / More details about the data
Number of Cases
Total Cases Hospitalized
There were 24 cases of measles reported in 10 NC counties during the increase in measles cases seen from December 2025 through February 2026.
Testing at NC Wastewater Sites
NC tests samples of wastewater for measles virus twice weekly at 36 wastewater treatment sites.
4 detections, December 2025-February 2026
For current data, visit the Wastewater Testing Dashboard.
About Wastewater Testing
People who have measles shed tiny viral particles in their stool. In wastewater, these particles are no longer infectious but can still be measured. This helps health experts spot the trends in disease – even if people have not gotten medical care or testing. This helps public health teams understand how measles is spreading.
Results are shared with the CDC National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS). Results are posted weekly at CDC.gov.
Cases by Vaccination Status
| Vaccination Status* | Percent of Cases |
|---|---|
| Unvaccinated/unknown | 67% |
| One dose of the MMR vaccine | 29% |
| Two doses of the MMR vaccine | 4% |
*Depending on someone’s age and risk level, one dose may be considered up to date
Cases by Age Group
| Age Group | Number of Cases |
|---|---|
| 17 and younger | 19 |
| 18 and older | 5 |
| Total | 24 |
| Week Ending | Number of Cases |
|---|---|
| Feb. 28, 2026 | 0 |
| Feb. 21, 2026 | 2 |
| Feb. 14, 2026 | 2 |
| Feb. 7, 2026 | 2 |
| Jan. 31, 2026 | 3 |
| Jan. 24, 2026 | 2 |
| Jan. 17, 2026 | 4 |
| Jan. 10, 2026 | 5 |
| Jan. 3, 2026 | 3 |
| Dec. 27, 2025 | 0 |
| Dec. 20, 2025 | 1 |
| Dec. 13, 2025 | 0 |
| Dec. 6, 2025 | 0 |
- A case refers to measles infection reported in an NC resident. These metrics do not include cases reported in travelers.
- Cases are confirmed by having positive laboratory testing or measles-like symptoms and known contact with a confirmed case. More information on case definition (PDF).
- The date used for this dashboard is the date symptoms began. If that date is not available, specimen collection date is used, if available, or date of initial report to public health. The earliest date a case was identified may change as we learn more information. Dates may differ from CDC's Measles and Outbreaks page.
- County is defined as county of residence.
Cases in North Carolina, 2005-2024
From 2005 through 2024, North Carolina had 35 measles cases. This includes an outbreak in 2013 with 23 cases.
Most of these cases did not lead to others getting sick thanks to high vaccination rates across the state. Most cases occurred after international travel by people who were not vaccinated.
NC had no reported measles cases from 2019 through 2023. There was one case in the fall of 2024. Then, in the summer of 2025, measles was reported in an international traveler visiting NC.
Vaccines work. Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself, your family and your community from severe illness. They help prevent hospital stays and can save lives.