The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed the state’s first case of measles of 2025 – a child who became ill while visiting Forsyth and Guilford counties after arriving from a country where measles outbreaks are ongoing.

According to health officials, the child began displaying symptoms after arriving in North Carolina and the child visited several public locations in Guilford and Forsyth counties before being diagnosed with the disease.

Currently, the state health department is working with the Guilford County Health Department and the Forsyth County Department of Public Health to notify anyone who may have been exposed.

To protect the privacy of the family, health officials are offering no further information about the child.

People who were at the following locations during the specified dates and times may have been exposed. They’re being urged to review their immunization status.

  • PTI Airport: June 19, 11:30 p.m. – June 20, 1:30 a.m.
  • Sleep Inn, 1406 Heartland Dr., Kernersville: June 19, 11:30 p.m. – June 22, 12:20 p.m. (multiple visits)
  • McDonald’s, 14000 Heartland Dr., Kernersville: Morning of June 20
  • Greensboro Science Center: June 20, 1:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.
  • Ice Cream Shop at the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market: June 20, 4:40 p.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Greensboro Aquatic Center (foyer area): June 21, 10 a.m. – 12:05 p.m.
  • Greensboro Partee Shack: June 21, 10:15 a.m. – 1:20 p.m.
  • Lowes Foods, 240 Market View Dr., Kernersville: June 21, 4:50 – 7:10 p.m.

Measles symptoms typically appear seven to 21 days after exposure and they include fever, rash, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. The disease is highly contagious and can linger in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves that area.

 Anyone who was at any of the listed locations and begins to show symptoms are being urged to call their health care provider or emergency room before arriving so precautions can be taken to avoid spreading the virus.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 5 unvaccinated people in the US who get measles will need to be hospitalized. The virus can cause some very serious complications in children, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems.

State health officials stated that the most effective way to prevent measles is through vaccination. The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is recommended for everyone one year of age and older who has not already been vaccinated. Children typically receive two doses – the first at 12-15 months and the second at 4-6 years.

Some people who were exposed may be eligible for “post-exposure prophylaxis,” which can help prevent the disease if administered within a few days of exposure. State officials say this is especially important for infants who are too young to be vaccinated, people with weakened immune systems and pregnant women.

However, officials noted that the window to receive that prophylaxis has passed for most of the people who were potentially exposed in this case.

“Getting vaccinated against measles continues to be the most important step we can take to protect ourselves and our loved ones,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “It is important to check with your health care provider to ensure you are current with all your vaccines.”

Local health departments are urging residents who may have been exposed and are unsure of their vaccination status to contact their doctor or visit their local clinic. Free or low-cost vaccines may be available through the Vaccines for Children program or via other public health resources.

While measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, international travel and declining vaccination rates in some areas of the country have contributed to a rise in cases nationwide in recent years. In 2024, more than 120 measles cases were reported across the US, with outbreaks linked to under-vaccinated communities and international visitors.

Guilford County health officials are working with state and local partners to identify anyone who might have been at risk and ensure they get the information and care they need.

Guilford County sent out notification to the local press on Tuesday afternoon, June 24.

Also, a public health briefing featuring state epidemiologist Dr. Zack Moore and officials from Guilford and Forsyth counties was held on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m.

For more information about the measles and how you can schedule a vaccine appointment, you can visit https://www.dph.ncdhhs.gov/measles, or alternatively contact the Guilford County Department of Health and Human Services.

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