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As a measles outbreak flares across the nation, Wake County Public Health gives recs to stay healthy this summer.
As fears of a bird flu pandemic are dying down, concern over a newly prevalent illness is on the rise: Measles is taking center stage. While Wake County hasn’t seen any measles cases since 2016 (cue sigh of relief), the rest of the country—including many of our neighboring states—haven’t been so lucky.
Texas’ outbreak lays claim to sparking the first signs of nationwide fears, but it isn’t the only state dealing with more cases of the disease than usual. As of May 1, the CDC is reporting 935* confirmed cases across the U.S.—a huge spike from 2024’s total cases of 285, and the year is yet to be half over.
In good news, out of 50 states, 20*—including North Carolina—are currently measles-free. But with summer travel right around the corner, how can NCers continue to stay safe? The first step is knowing who’s at risk. Kids have a higher threat for measles, and the numbers back this up: 68% of cases in 2025 are affecting kids under age 19.
But, as Wake County’s Public Health Director Rebecca Kaufman warns, “Measles can be dangerous for people of all ages, especially babies, older adults and those with weakened immune systems.” Symptoms usually show a week or two after infection and start with things like a cough, runny nose or high fever. A few days later, you’ll see the tale-tell rash—often paired with a dangerous fever spike.
And in not-so-good news, it spreads fast. If someone with measles coughs or sneezes nearby, and you’re not immune, you’ve got a 90% chance of catching it. To reduce your risk, Wake County is recommending people stay on top of their vaccination game. The MMR vaccine is what brought measles under control in the U.S. in the late ’60s—NTM 96% of people contracting measles present day are either unvaccinated or unsure of their vaccination status.
Local health officials say kids should receive both doses—one between the ages of 12–15 months and the other between ages 4–6. Two doses are 97% effective at preventing measles, while one is 93% effective. And for any adult born after 1957 (aka the last year of presumed natural immunity) who never got vaccinated: The time is now.
As for summer vacation, if your crew is vaccinated, you’re in good shape—just remember to keep an eye out for symptoms up to three weeks after returning to help keep yourself and Wake County measles-free.
*As of press time
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Thank you, Abigail Celoria, for your informative article and for sharing it with us!