Guilford County health officials are warning residents about a potential measles exposure after a confirmed case passed through Greensboro earlier this month.
According to Guilford County Division of Public Health, an out-of-state individual who tested positive for measles visited a Wendy’s at 2221 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive on Friday, March 13, between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. Anyone who was at that location during that time may have been exposed.
Health officials say measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air as well as by direct contact. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left an area, making even brief exposure a concern.
Symptoms typically appear seven to 14 days after exposure but can take up to 21 days to develop. County health officials are advising anyone who may have been at the restaurant during the exposure window to monitor for symptoms and contact a healthcare provider or the Guilford County Division of Public Health if concerns arise.
Common symptoms include a high fever that can exceed 104 degrees, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. In some cases, small white spots may appear inside the mouth a few days after symptoms begin. A red, blotchy rash usually follows, starting on the face and spreading to the rest of the body.
Health officials stress that measles is preventable through vaccination, but it remains dangerous, particularly for those who are unvaccinated. According to public health data, about 90 percent of unvaccinated people who are exposed to measles will become infected, and roughly one in five cases results in hospitalization.
“Getting vaccinated against measles continues to be the most important step we can take to protect ourselves and our families,” said Guilford County Public Health Director Courtney McFadden in a statement. “It is important to ensure you and your family are current with all your vaccines.”
The Guilford County Division of Public Health is encouraging all unvaccinated individuals 12 months and older to receive the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Officials also emphasized the importance of protecting vulnerable populations, including infants, pregnant individuals and those with weakened immune systems who may not be eligible for vaccination.
Residents who believe they may have symptoms are asked to call ahead before visiting a doctor’s office, urgent care, or emergency department so that precautions can be taken to prevent further spread.
Vaccinations are available through healthcare providers and the Guilford County Division of Public Health. Appointments at the county’s Greensboro and High Point clinics can be scheduled by calling 336-641-3245.
More information about measles is available through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
