Child with Measles Confirmed in North Carolina
A child diagnosed with measles recently traveled through Forsyth and Guilford counties, as reported by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services on Tuesday. This incident marks the state’s first confirmed measles case of the year.
The child contracted the illness while coming to North Carolina from an area experiencing recent outbreaks of measles.
The health department advises that individuals aged one year and older receive vaccinations against measles to safeguard themselves and their community.
Efforts are underway with local health departments to track potential locations and times of exposure to the virus. The state encourages anyone who was present at specific sites during designated times to check their vaccination status and reach out to their healthcare providers for the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.
- 11:30 p.m. Thursday to 1:30 a.m. Friday at Piedmont Triad International Airport
- 11:30 p.m. Thursday to 2:50 p.m. Friday at Sleep Inn, 1406 Heartland Drive, Kernersville
- 5:15 p.m. Friday to 11:35 a.m. Saturday at Sleep Inn, 1406 Heartland Drive, Kernersville
- 5:30 p.m. Saturday to 12:20 p.m. Sunday at Sleep Inn, 1406 Heartland Drive, Kernersville
- Morning of Friday, June 20 at McDonald’s, 14000 Heartland Drive, Kernersville
- 1:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. Friday at Greensboro Science Center, 4301 Lawndale Drive, Greensboro
- 4:40 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday at the ice cream shop at Piedmont Triad Farmers Market, Greensboro
- 10 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. Saturday at the Greensboro Aquatic Center foyer, 1921 West Gate City Blvd, Greensboro
- 10:15 a.m. to 1:20 p.m. Saturday at Greensboro Partee Shack, 3712 South Holden Road, Greensboro
- 4:50 p.m. to 7:10 p.m. Saturday at Lowes Foods, 240 Market View Drive, Kernersville
Testing for the virus is generally not recommended for those exposed unless they start experiencing symptoms, such as fever and rash. Measles symptoms can emerge anywhere from seven to 21 days post-exposure. In case symptoms appear, it’s best to call medical facilities ahead of time to discuss precautions to avoid spreading the virus.
“Vaccination against measles remains the most significant measure we can take to keep ourselves and our families safe,” stated NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “Be sure to consult your healthcare provider about your vaccination status.”
Individuals who may have been exposed could qualify for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which might prevent them from contracting the illness. This option may be suitable for infants not old enough for the MMR vaccine, those without appropriate vaccinations, immunocompromised individuals, and pregnant women.
