Urgent Health Alert: NC Confirms First 2025 Measles Case, Officials Urge Vaccination

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has issued an urgent public health announcement following the confirmation of the state’s first measles case of 2025. This critical development, announced via a June 24 news release, centers around a child who became ill after traveling to North Carolina from a country currently experiencing ongoing measles outbreaks.

The confirmed case involves a child who visited both Forsyth and Guilford Counties. While specific details about the individual or family will not be released to protect their privacy, NCDHHS is actively working to identify potential exposure sites and times to mitigate further spread within the community.

In response to this confirmed case, NCDHHS, in collaboration with the CDC, is strongly advising all unvaccinated individuals aged one year and older to receive the measles vaccine immediately. Dr. Dev Sangvai of NCDHHS stressed the critical importance of this step, stating, “Getting vaccinated against measles continues to be the most important step we can take to protect ourselves and our loved ones. It is important to check with your health care provider to ensure you are current with all your vaccines.”

Measles, a highly contagious viral disease, spreads through airborne droplets released when an infected person talks, sneezes, or coughs. These droplets can remain in the air and contaminate surfaces for up to two hours. Symptoms typically appear 7-14 days after exposure, but can manifest up to 21 days later, and may include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic rash.

NCDHHS warns that unvaccinated individuals have a 90% chance of contracting measles if exposed to the virus. Furthermore, approximately one in five people who contract measles will require hospitalization. Both parents ensuring their children are up-to-date on childhood immunizations, including the MMR vaccine, and unvaccinated adults are encouraged to receive the vaccine without delay. Anyone who believes they may have been exposed should review their immunization records or contact their healthcare provider promptly.

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