Measles Case Confirmed in North Carolina

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has reported a measles case involving a child who was visiting Forsyth and Guilford counties. The child fell ill while traveling from another country where recent measles outbreaks have occurred. To maintain the individual’s privacy, no further details will be provided. This marks the first confirmed measles case in the state for 2025. The NCDHHS is urging unvaccinated individuals aged one and older to get vaccinated against measles to protect themselves and others.

NCDHHS is collaborating with the Forsyth County Department of Public Health and the Guilford County Health Department to trace locations and times where individuals may have been exposed to the virus.

If you were at any of the locations during the specified dates and times, it’s a good idea to check your immunization records. You might want to contact your healthcare provider to ensure you’re current on the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Testing is generally not advised for those exposed unless symptoms appear, such as fever and rash. Measles symptoms can begin anywhere from seven to 21 days after exposure. If you do show any symptoms, please call your healthcare provider before heading to their office or an emergency room. This helps minimize the risk of spreading the virus.

In some circumstances, those exposed may qualify for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to reduce illness risk. The PEP window has closed for most who were possibly exposed, but higher-risk individuals—like infants who aren’t yet vaccinated with MMR, those with compromised immune systems, or pregnant women—should reach out to their healthcare providers or local health departments to discuss PEP options.

“Vaccination against measles is crucial for safeguarding ourselves and those we care about,” stated NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. He emphasized the importance of checking with healthcare providers to confirm that vaccinations are up-to-date.

Residents of North Carolina can consult their healthcare providers or visit local health departments for more information on obtaining the vaccine and scheduling appointments. Children who qualify for the Vaccines for Children program can receive the vaccine from participating providers. For additional details about measles, you can go to dph.ncdhhs.gov/measles.

In response to the case, NCDHHS State Epidemiologist Zack Moore, M.D., MPH, along with representatives from Forsyth and Guilford counties, will host a virtual media session on Tuesday, June 24, at 4:30 p.m.

WHAT: NCDHHS virtual media availability on North Carolina’s first measles case and potential exposures

WHO: Dr. Zack Moore, State Epidemiologist, NCDHHS

Joshua Swift, Director of Public Health, Forsyth County Department of Public Health

Maura Trimble, Public Health Nursing Supervisor, Forsyth County Department of Public Health

Susan Banville, Communicable Disease Nurse, Forsyth County Department of Public Health

Anita Ramachandran, Interim Director of Public Health, Guilford County Department of Health and Human Services

LaTanya Pender, Clinical Services Director, Division of Public Health, Guilford County Department of Health and Human Services

Tammy Koonce, Communicable Disease Nurse Consultant, Division of Public Health, Guilford County Department of Health and Human Services

WHEN: Tuesday, June 24, 4:30-5 p.m.

WHERE: Zoom. Credentialed media should RSVP for the link by emailing news@dhhs.nc.gov

Measles is extremely contagious and can spread through direct contact and airborne transmission. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area. Symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days post-exposure, although they might show up as late as 21 days afterward and may include:

• High fever (potentially exceeding 104 degrees)
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watering eyes (conjunctivitis)
• Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik Spots) two to three days after symptoms begin
• A red, raised, blotchy rash usually starting on the face and spreading within three to five days to the trunk, arms, and legs

With the increased risk of community spread, parents are encouraged to ensure their children are up-to-date with all vaccinations, particularly the measles vaccine. Studies show that around 90% of unvaccinated individuals exposed to measles will contract the disease, and about one in five will require hospitalization. As of June 19, 2025, there have been 1,214 measles cases reported in 36 jurisdictions besides North Carolina this year.