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First case of measles confirmed in NC.
Just when bird flu fears have died down, a newly prevalent illness stepped in—and has made its way to the Tarheel State. Read: NC’s first case of measles has been confirmed.
The Department of Health and Human Services identified the state’s first case of the year in Kernersville June 24 in a child visiting Forsyth and Guilford counties from another country where an outbreak had recently been reported. Given how contagious the illness is, the department recommends anyone who may have crossed paths with the child review immunization records or contact a health care provider—better to be safe than sorry.
While Forsyth and Guilford counties ran short of luck, Wake County hasn’t seen any measles cases since 2016 (cue sigh of relief). But, we aren’t out of the woods quite yet. As of June 24, the CDC is reporting 1,227 confirmed cases across 37 states—a huge spike from 2024’s total cases of 285, and the year is barely half over. Texas’s infamous outbreak lays claims to sparking the first signs of nationwide fears, but clearly isn’t the only state dealing with more cases of the disease than usual.
Thankfully, there are ways for NCers to stay healthy amid the outbreak. The first step is knowing who’s at risk. Kids are at a higher risk 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 cough, runny nose or a high fever. A few days later, you’ll see the tale-tell rash—and 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 your community—measles-free.
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Thanks for the heads-up. One case is enough to remind us all. The vaccine protects, so let’s check our records and watch for symptoms.