VThe North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is urging residents to stay up to date on vaccinations as measles cases continue to rise across the state.
According to the latest update to the Measles Cases and Outbreaks Dashboard, North Carolina has confirmed 15 measles cases since late December 2025, including the state’s first hospitalized case, which was announced last week. In response, NCDHHS is rolling out new outreach tools and resources aimed at increasing awareness and preventing further spread.
Vaccination Remains the Strongest Protection
“Measles is not a disease of the past — it is still present in our state,” said Dr. Kelly Kimple, director of the NCDHHS Division of Public Health. “Staying up to date on vaccinations is a simple but powerful step we can all take to keep our communities healthy.”
NCDHHS continues to recommend that all unvaccinated individuals ages one year and older receive the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Health officials also advise people to talk with their health care provider before traveling, either internationally or to areas within the United States experiencing measles outbreaks.
To date, most measles cases in North Carolina have been linked to travel to outbreak areas and have occurred in unvaccinated individuals.
New Text Alerts for Potential Exposure
As part of its expanded outreach efforts, NCDHHS has launched text notifications to alert individuals who may have been exposed to measles.
These alerts notify people who were present at specific locations during dates and times when exposure could have occurred. Receiving a text message does not mean someone has measles, but it does mean they may have been exposed and should follow the guidance provided.
In addition to text messages, individuals may also be contacted by their local health department or a North Carolina Public Health Outreach Team member through phone calls, emails, or in-person visits.
Symptoms and Health Risks of Measles
Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease that spreads through direct contact and airborne transmission. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.
Symptoms typically begin 7 to 14 days after exposure, but can appear up to 21 days later, and may include:
- High fever, which can exceed 104 degrees
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Tiny white spots inside the mouth known as Koplik spots
- A red, blotchy rash that usually starts on the face and spreads to the body
Measles can also lead to serious complications, including diarrhea, pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and suppression of the immune system.
Where to Get Vaccinated
North Carolina residents can contact their health care provider or local health department for information on vaccine availability and scheduling appointments. The MMR vaccine is also offered at many retail pharmacies, though residents are encouraged to call ahead.
Children eligible for the Vaccines for Children Program can receive the vaccine from participating providers. NCDHHS also offers a measles immunity checker tool for individuals unsure if they need additional protection.
More information about measles and the MMR vaccine is available through NCDHH
