The state Department of Health and Human Services says 15 cases of measles have been confirmed in North Carolina since late December 2025, with the first hospitalized case announced last week. As cases persist, NCDHHS is launching new outreach tools to share measles information.
“Measles is not a disease of the past — it is still present in our state,” said Dr. Kelly Kimple, NCDHHS Director of the 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.”
Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease that is spread by direct person-to-person contact as well as through the air. The virus can live for up to two hours in the air where the infected person was present.
North Carolina’s measles outbreak has been linked to a growing number of cases in South Carolina. More than 150 cases have been confirmed there.
NCDHHS continues to recommend all unvaccinated individuals ages one year and older receive the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. Individuals should also talk with their provider about vaccination before traveling either internationally or to an outbreak area in the United States. To date, most North Carolina measles cases are associated with visits to areas with known outbreaks, mainly South Carolina, and have affected unvaccinated people.
As part of ongoing outreach efforts, NCDHHS has launched text notifications for potential measles exposures. These text messages will help quickly notify people who may have been near a confirmed measles case and provide timely information on next steps to protect their health and the health of others.
Individuals who receive a message may have been present at a location during a specific date and time when exposure could have occurred. Receiving a text message does not mean a person has measles, but it does mean they may have been exposed and should follow the guidance provided. In addition to text, individuals may be contacted by their local health department or an NC Public Health Outreach Team member via phone call, email or in-person visit.
Symptoms of measles usually begin 7-14 days after exposure, but can appear up to 21 days after exposure and may include:
- High fever (may spike to more than 104 degrees)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums and roof of the mouth (Koplik Spots) two to three days after symptoms begin
- A rash that is red, raised, blotchy; usually starts on face, spreads to trunk, arms and legs three to five days after symptoms begin
- Measles can also cause complications including diarrhea, pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and suppression of the immune system.
To increase measles awareness, NCDHHS has also created a measles toolkit including flyers, graphics and other outreach materials. Anyone who is sharing information about measles with their community — including health care professionals, team leaders, community and business leaders, and non-profit organizations — can use and adapt these resources.
North Carolina residents can contact their health care provider or their local health department for additional information on ways to obtain the vaccine and schedule an appointment. The measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine is also available at many retail pharmacies, but people are encouraged to call for availability. Children eligible for the Vaccines for Children program may receive the vaccine from a provider enrolled in that program. The NCDHHS measles immunity checker tool is also available for those who are unsure whether they might need additional protection.
Columbus County Health Department staff are also assisting residents who do not know if their measles vaccination is of the most up-to-date vaccine available. Contact the Health Department for more information.
For more about measles and the MMR vaccine, please visit dph.ncdhhs.gov/measles.
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