North Carolina confirms its first measles case. Here’s what we know so far
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- North Carolina confirms first measles case of 2025 in visiting child.
- Child with measles traveled through Forsyth and Guilford counties.
- State and county health officials launch exposure investigation efforts.
North Carolina has its first case of measles this year, the Department of Health and Human Services confirmed Tuesday.
A child from another country where measles has been reported became ill while visiting Forsyth and Guilford counties, according to a news release.
“It was a matter of when we would get a (measles) case in North Carolina, not if,” said Zack Moore, state epidemiologist at NCDHHS, in a Tuesday afternoon virtual press conference with other local and state health officials. “We have been working really hard to prepare, at the state and local level, for what we knew was going to come.”
Forsyth and Guilford county officials were notified Sunday of a potential measles case, said Joshua Swift, Forsyth County public health director.
Few details are being released about the infected child in efforts to preserve their privacy.
“The patient has been treated and released, and is isolating and recovering,” Swift said. The child will no longer be considered infectious on Thursday.
Over 1,214 measles cases have been confirmed nationally in 2025 over 36 states and the District of Columbia, according to the press release. States have been on high alert for the illness since late January after an outbreak in Texas resulted in 750 cases, as of June 24.
The Forsyth County Department of Public Health and Guilford County Health Department are working with state officials to identify others who might have been exposed to the child.
Potential exposure sites from Thursday, June 19, to Sunday, June 21, are listed on the NCDHHS website. They include Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, the Greensboro Science Center, the Greensboro Aquatic Center and a Kernersville hotel and grocery store.
NCDHHS suggests people who were in those places at the specified times review their measles-mumps-rubella vaccination status, check for symptoms and alert their doctor or the public health department as needed.
“We have been in contact with those exposed to the child in a non-public setting ... (We’re) checking out their vaccine status,” added Susan Banville, communicable disease nurse at Forsyth DPH.
What is measles and does is it spread?
Measles cases are rare in North Carolina. There was one case in 2024, according to state data. Before that, there were three cases in 2018, according to the state.
Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease that is spread by direct person-to-person contact and through the air, the release stated. Up to nine out 10 unprotected people exposed to the measles virus will become infected.
“Measles is one of the most contagious viruses out there,” Moore said.
The virus can live for up to two hours in the air where the infected person was present. Symptoms typically begin seven to 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
Infected people can spread the disease four days before the rash and four days after. Moore suggested people reach out to their doctor or health department if they experience early symptoms and not wait for a rash.
Vaccination is the best way to prevent measles
NCDHHS recommends that all unvaccinated individuals who are 1 year and older receive the measles vaccine. In special cases, including international travel or visits to outbreak areas within the United States, vaccinations are recommended for children younger than a year old.
“Getting vaccinated against measles continues to be the most important step we can take to protect ourselves and our loved ones,” said Dev Sangvai, N.C. Health and Human Services Secretary, in the release. “It is important to check with your health care provider to ensure you are current with all your vaccines.”
People often get a measles vaccination as a child, which significantly reduces their odds of getting infected. Officials noted that fully vaccinated people are not at risk, even after exposure.
“Over 90% of Forsyth County residents are fully vaccinated against measles and therefore protected,” Swift said.
Forsyth will share where the measles vaccine is available Wednesday via an advisory.
Anyone with questions can call the Forsyth County Public Health Department at 336-703-3300.
This story was originally published June 24, 2025 at 4:29 PM with the headline "North Carolina confirms its first measles case. Here’s what we know so far."
