North Carolina Hospitals Alert for Measles Symptoms
Following the first confirmed case of measles in North Carolina this week, hospitals across the state are being vigilant for potential patients showing symptoms.
The state health department announced on Tuesday that a child from the Greensboro area has tested positive for the virus. Since the infection, the child has visited various public places, prompting health officials to advise others in those areas to be aware of any symptoms.
Hospitals in the Triangle region are maintaining heightened awareness for any new suspected cases. Dr. David Wohl from UNC Health mentioned, “We’ve been working hard for months to prepare for an outbreak of measles or multiple outbreaks at once.”
Wohl, who specializes in infectious diseases, indicated that the confirmed case was somewhat expected. He believes that more cases are likely due to the contagious nature of the virus. “This was inevitable. We knew that eventually we would get a case here as well,” he remarked. “Measles is incredibly infectious—it can linger in the air and on surfaces.” He noted that individuals born before 1957 are generally assumed to be immune, as they were likely exposed before the vaccines became widely available.
In 2000, the CDC declared that measles had been eliminated in the U.S., with new cases primarily arising from international travelers.
Dr. Michael Smith, who leads Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Duke Health, shared concerns that subsequent outbreaks could be linked to declining vaccination rates among children. He pointed out that misinformation about vaccines, particularly claims made during the pandemic linking the MMR vaccine to autism, has contributed to this decline.
“Before this year, you might think, ‘Measles isn’t common in the U.S., so I don’t have to worry,’” Smith explained. “But that narrative is misleading. The MMR vaccine does not cause autism. As a parent with vaccinated children, I encourage others to get vaccinated—it’s safe and effective.”
Smith warned parents that not vaccinating their children could increase their risk of severe illness. “Measles can make you very sick. At best, it’s like the worst cold you’ve ever had,” he cautioned. “There’s really no treatment for it, despite what you may hear. The vaccine is crucial.”
This year, over 1,220 measles cases and three deaths have been reported in the U.S., with the CDC noting that 95% of cases occurred in unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status.
Both Wohl and Smith emphasized the importance of communication among hospitals, clinicians, urgent care facilities, pediatric offices, and health departments to help identify and contain possible outbreaks.
“Not everyone with measles has a rash; they might only show high fever, sore throat, or red eyes,” Wohl explained. “We need to ensure that those who might first see these cases are aware.”
Smith also advised families with upcoming travel plans who are not vaccinated to remain alert. “With a confirmed case in our state, it’s likely that anyone traveling through an airport could come into contact with someone exposed to measles. The best protection is getting vaccinated,” he stated.
