Buncombe County Siblings Contract Measles After SC Visit

Three siblings in Buncombe County have come down with measles following a trip to South Carolina, as reported by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and Buncombe County Health and Human Services (BCHHS) in a press release on January 6.

The family traveled to Spartanburg County, where there is a significant measles outbreak, about one to two weeks before the children began exhibiting symptoms.

In order to maintain the family’s privacy, further details will not be disclosed.

The NCDHHS has identified potential exposure locations and times:

• Mission Hospital Emergency Department waiting room, 509 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville
• Date: January 4
• Time: Between 2 a.m. and 6:30 a.m.

Health officials are collaborating with BCHHS Division of Public Health and Mission Hospital to identify individuals who may have been exposed, as well as to assess their immunity and take necessary measures to prevent the virus from spreading.

According to their statement, laboratory testing is not advised unless symptoms develop. If someone does experience symptoms, they should reach out to their local health department, limit exposure to others, and inform healthcare providers ahead of a visit.

The health department has been in contact with its South Carolina counterpart since the outbreak began. They recommend that anyone aged one year and older who is unvaccinated should receive the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine as a precaution.

“People need to be aware that the risk of being exposed to measles is growing,” stated Dr. Zack Moore, State Epidemiologist for NCDHHS. “Measles can be a very serious disease, so staying up to date on all recommended vaccines with your healthcare provider is crucial for protecting both personal and community health.”

The NCDHHS also confirmed a second measles case in the state, which occurred in Polk County on December 31, 2025. This case is believed to be connected to the outbreak in South Carolina’s Upstate region. Additionally, there was a reported measles exposure in Gaston County after a person traveled while infectious.

As of December 30, 2025, the CDC has reported 2,065 confirmed measles cases across 44 states, which marks the highest number recorded in the U.S. since the introduction of the second dose of the MMR vaccine in the 1990s.

Measles is known to be a vaccine-preventable and highly contagious disease that spreads through direct contact and airborne transmission. Symptoms generally manifest within 7 to 14 days after exposure, although some cases might take up to 21 days. Common symptoms include:

• High fever, potentially exceeding 104 degrees
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
• Koplik Spots (tiny white spots) on the inner cheeks and mouth, appearing 2-3 days after other symptoms
• A red, raised rash that typically begins on the face and spreads to the body within three to five days

Residents of North Carolina can contact their healthcare providers or local health departments to make appointments for vaccinations or to get more information.

The MMR vaccine is also accessible at the Buncombe County Health and Human Services Immunization Clinic, located at 40 Coxe Ave., Asheville. The clinic is open for walk-ins on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. There will be a temporary closure from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 7.

For further resources about vaccinations for children and measles immunity, residents can contact the respective health programs available online.