Tracking measles cases in NC: What to know about the historic spread
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- North Carolina reported its first measles case of 2025 in Forsyth County.
- Measles vaccine offers 93–97% protection after one or two MMR doses.
- Experts warn low-immunity areas may face outbreaks despite statewide coverage.
Measles, a highly contagious virus, is spreading rapidly across the U.S., meaning an outbreak in North Carolina is bound to happen soon, experts say.
As of Wednesday, July 16, there were more than 1,300 cases of measles reported in 40 states, including North Carolina, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The state reported its first case of measles this year last month, in a child who was visiting Forsyth and Guilford counties, The News & Observer previously reported.
The Charlotte Observer spoke to Dr. David Wohl, an infectious disease expert at UNC Health, to find out what the current risk level is for measles, symptoms to watch for and the effectiveness of vaccines.
Here’s what you need to know.
What is the current risk level for measles in NC?
The current risk level for measles in North Carolina is hard to determine, but we’re not out of the woods just because we’ve only had one case, Wohl said.
“We could be in a fairly risky situation and just be lucky, or it’s spreading and just not being detected,” said Wohl.
He pointed out that the majority of states have already seen measles cases this year, making it inevitable that the virus will begin to spread in the Tar Heel State soon.
“It’s coming to us from the west, and it’s coming to us from the north and the south,” Wohl said. “It’s really a matter of time before we get cases here. Whether or not we get transmission is another question.”
Wohl said transmission levels depend on immunity, and that a large portion of the state’s population already has immunity to the virus, either by getting vaccinated or building resistance after an infection.
“There are pockets across the state where people are not as immune, and once you have that accidental intersection of people who are infected among people who are vulnerable, that’s where you get these events, these outbreaks, like we’re seeing in Texas and in New York and in other places,” he explained.
What are the symptoms of measles?
Measles symptoms usually appear within two weeks of contact with the virus, according to Mayo Clinic. They include:
Fever, which may be as high as 105 degrees
Dry cough
Runny nose
Conjunctivitis (red, watering eyes)
Tiny white spots, called Koplik spots, may also appear inside the mouth two to three days after the first symptoms, according to Mayo Clinic.
About three to five days after symptoms first start, it’s common to see a rash made up of large, flat spots and small raised bumps. The rash starts on the face or neck and spreads down the body from the chest to the arms and legs.
Who is most at risk of contracting measles?
Children under age 5 and those with weakened immune systems are most at-risk of severe illness from measles, according to Mayo Clinic.
Those who have never had measles or are unvaccinated are also at risk.
Nearly 90% of people who haven’t had measles or haven’t been vaccinated will become infected when around someone with measles, Mayo Clinic says.
How effective is the measles vaccine?
“Super effective,” Wohl said. Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine separated by a month is 97% effective against infections.
“If you get two doses of MMR, you’re protected as best as humanly possible,” Wohl said.
But one dose of the MMR vaccine is nearly just as effective. A single dose of MMR is 93% effective against measles, Wohl said, reiterating that vaccines provide the best protection against the virus.
“We have loads of data on this, so we know this,” said Wohl. “This is old school vaccinology. We have enough data on millions of people who’ve gotten MMR that we know a lot about this.”
When should infants get the measles vaccine?
Most children should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine — the first between 12-15 months of age, and the second between ages 4-6, The Charlotte Observer previously reported.
“We don’t recommend giving the MMR vaccine to infants younger than 12 months,” said Wohl. However, exceptions may apply for infants in areas experiencing outbreaks or those traveling internationally.
Children who are severely immunocompromised, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, may not be eligible for the vaccine because it contains a live virus, Wohl added.
Where to get the measles vaccine in NC
You can visit these places for MMR vaccines in NC, the Observer previously reported:
▪ Pharmacies: Schedule appointments at pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens. You can also inquire with local neighborhood pharmacies.
▪ Grocery and big box stores with pharmacies: Walk in or schedule appointments at stores like Walmart, Target, Harris Teeter and Publix.
▪ Your healthcare provider: You can always contact your doctor for an appointment.
This story was originally published July 22, 2025 at 2:40 PM with the headline "Tracking measles cases in NC: What to know about the historic spread."
