Everything old is new again.
While measles had basically become a thing of the past for the US, now there’s growing concern over the rapid rise in cases and that has North Carolina health officials very worried.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced on Tuesday, Feb. 17 that there have been 22 confirmed measles cases in North Carolina since late December 2025 – and state health officials are urging residents to make sure they’re vaccinated.
According to the department, most of the cases have involved unvaccinated individuals and have been associated with known outbreaks, including a large outbreak in upstate South Carolina.
“The rise in measles cases is concerning, especially since most infections are affecting unvaccinated children,” said Dr. Zack Moore, NCDHHS State Epidemiologist. “Measles is highly contagious, but it is also preventable. We strongly encourage parents in areas where there has been community transmission of measles to speak with their health care provider about the option of early vaccination for infants 6 to 11 months old.”
Federal health officials also recommend the vaccine though there has been some mixed messaging coming from the top over the past year and before.
US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s messaging on measles vaccination has drawn criticism for inconsistency. Before becoming Health and Human Services Secretary, he made statements questioning aspects of vaccine safety and durability that public health experts said were misleading. During his Senate confirmation hearing in early 2025, he said he supports the measles vaccine and wouldn’t restrict access to immunizations. But as outbreaks emerged, he often framed vaccination as a personal choice and discussed nutrition and other measures alongside it – which some medical groups said muddied the traditional federal message that routine vaccination is the primary defense against measles.
In April 2025, amid rising case counts and at least one reported death, Kennedy said the most effective way to prevent the spread of measles is the MMR vaccine. While that statement aligned with longstanding public health guidance, critics argue his earlier remarks contributed to public confusion during the outbreak.
For state officials, there is no ambiguity in their message.
NCDHHS is recommending that everyone ages one year and older who is unvaccinated receive the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The agency is also advising health care providers to consider early vaccination for infants ages 6 to 11 months who live in or routinely visit areas where measles transmission is occurring.
Those areas currently include Buncombe County and parts of the Charlotte metropolitan region – including Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan and Union counties. State officials noted that, while not every county in that region has reported cases, some infections haven’t been linked to travel or other known cases, suggesting the virus may be spreading locally.
Health officials also recommend that people talk with their provider about vaccination before traveling internationally or to outbreak areas within the United States.
Measles is highly contagious and spreads through direct person-to-person contact as well as through the air. The virus can live for up to two hours in the air after an infected person has been present. Symptoms typically begin seven to 14 days after exposure, but can appear up to 21 days later.
Symptoms include a high fever that can spike above 104 degrees, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes and small white spots inside the mouth known as Koplik spots.
A red, raised rash usually begins on the face and then spreads to the trunk, arms and legs three to five days after symptoms begin.
Measles can lead to serious complications, including diarrhea, pneumonia, encephalitis – swelling of the brain – and suppression of the immune system.
State officials said that anyone who may have been exposed to measles, regardless of vaccination status, could be contacted by their local health department or an NC Public Health Outreach Team member by phone, text, email or in person.
Locations where exposure may have occurred will be added to the state’s measles exposure list.
Laboratory testing isn’t recommended for people who’ve been exposed unless they develop symptoms such as fever and rash. If symptoms develop, individuals are urged to contact their local health department immediately, limit exposure to others and call ahead before visiting a doctor’s office or emergency room so precautions can be taken.
The MMR vaccine is available through health care providers, local health departments and many retail pharmacies, though officials encourage residents to call ahead to check availability. Children eligible for the federal Vaccines for Children program may receive the vaccine from enrolled providers. NCDHHS also offers an online measles immunity checker tool for those unsure of their vaccination status.
For more information, residents can visit dph.ncdhhs.gov/measles.
