Measles Cases and Outbreaks in North Carolina

In the past 20 years, North Carolina has 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 between 2019 and 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. 

Bar graph shows measles cases over time in North Carolina, including an outbreak in 2013 and one case in 2024, the first since 2018.
23

Measles cases in NC during last outbreak in 2013

Most cases were in people not vaccinated. Vaccination significantly lowers the risk of community spread.

0

Secondary cases that occurred during the 2024 and 2025 measles responses

Wastewater Monitoring for Measles

In June 2025, North Carolina began measles virus (MEV) testing at 28 sites across the state. In July 2025, Verily, a CDC contractor, started testing at six more sites. NC now tests weekly at 34 sites across the state.

The results are shared with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS).
 

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