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.
Hear that? The weather is warming and all your fave artists are rolling into Raleigh to bring only the best sounds of summer for you to dance and drink along to. Pro tip: Life is short, so just buy the ticket. Summer concerts is calling, and you must go.
Where the frugal—and sustainable—fashionistas are shopping locally
ICYMI, those “harmless” hauls from overseas fast-fashion brands might start getting pricier, thanks to tariffs shifting the scene for cheap China-based clothing retailers. Bargain-chic giants Shein, Temu and Amazon sellers have already started upping their prices, with some stuff spiking 377%. While rising import costs are ultimately unlikely to kill fast fashion completely, they may be a sign to hit pause on oft-unnecessary Shein hauls in lieu of scouting locally affordable fashion—a habit that will also lessen your carbon footprint and not support child labor. So, a win-win-win.
“It really is special in the sense you can find comparatively higher quality and stylish items that can compete pricewise with cheaply made fast fashion,” emphasizes Garrett Young-Wright, who co-founded the NC Vintage Bazaar alongside Aaron Wan. “And you can feel good about supporting small businesses that are often folks in your community.”
While charity shops like Dorcas Ministries, Goodwill and Pass It On have hoards of hidden treasures, if you’re not about the thrill of the chase—or if thrift store finds aren’t your jive—we played “thrift hunter” and unearthed your closet’s next staple pieces at curated secondhand retailers and affordable boutiques.
Look ma—we made it? You know you’ve leveled up as a metropolis when the rats start moving in. … Alas, Raleigh’s growth isn’t just measured in skyscrapers and restaurants—it’s critter-approved.
No stranger to the rat race—Raleigh’s held its place in the top 50 rattiest U.S. cities for over seven years running, with Orkin ranking it 28th last year. (Yes, really.)
While there’s no registry of rats roaming Raleigh, residents have told us the rodents are ramping up—with more of them out about, and apparently unafraid of being stepped on. Rat boxes can be spotted across DTR and citywide, unsurprising since urban growth typically brings more pests.
Despite the chatter, the City of Raleigh says they haven’t noticed a rodent spike. If—or when—the problem presents itself, Assistant City Manager Evan Raleigh suggests handling a vermin infestation like any other growing pain. “New development means more people creating trash,” maintains Raleigh. “We are making sure our resources are in line with the growing demands.”
Growing Pains
“The rats don’t run this city, we do.” So says former NYC Sanitation Commissioner Jessica Tisch on her vow to oust the rats—with battle efforts going as far as dispersing rat birth control, hiring a “rat czar” and hosting a vermin expert conference. NYC serves as a prime example of the downside of a glamorous, bustling city: If you want to live in an established metropolis, expect encounters with typical metropolis problems—more noise, more pollution and more pests.
Not that Raleigh should welcome said problems with a “we made it” attitude, but we can learn from more established metros and stay on top of so-far minor nuisances—before it comes to an all-out “war.” Even with more frequent rodent run-ins, it’s safe to say we are nowhere near needing to take notes on Tisch’s approach… yet.
So, as the not-so-ideal consequences of urban expansion continue to grow alongside us, fighting the good fight is essential to prevent anyone else—rats included—from running our fair city.
Are We Expecting? Fun fact: Female rats are ready to mate at five weeks old and can reproduce every three to four weeks—and litters can produce anywhere from five to 12 rat babies. Do the math and enter the cycle of vermin doom.
If you’ve been California dreaming, your thirst for the Golden State is about to be quenched. Now uncorking in Glenwood Place isNapa Bistro & Wine Bar, bringing a taste of Cali to the Carolinas via myriad vinos and ’tails, “wine-country cuisine,” and an elevated ambiance to boot—perfect for your next date night, GNO or casual dinner. If you need us, we’ll be sipping on West Coast time. naparestaurantgroup.com
