Here’s where you’re most likely to catch measles spreading in NC
Measles, a highly contagious virus once considered rare in the U.S., is spreading in North Carolina, with cases now reported across multiple regions of the state.
According to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services Measles Cases and Outbreaks Dashboard,18 cases have been reported since December, up from 15 last week, with clusters in the Charlotte area and Buncombe County, which has the highest number of cases. Most infections have occurred in unvaccinated children and teens, according to state data.
Just this week, measles cases were identified in Johnston, Union and Wake counties.
“Measles is not a disease of the past — it is still present in our state,” Dr. Kelly Kimple, NCDHHS Director of the Division of Public Health, said in a news release last week. “Staying up to date on vaccinations is a simple but powerful step we can all take to keep our communities healthy.”
But where does the virus spread most easily?
Here’s what you need to know.
Top measles outbreak locations
Measles can spread in crowded travel settings such as airports, planes, trains, tourist attractions and large events, and infected travelers can bring measles back to their home communities, where it can spread quickly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In December, NCDHHS reported a possible measles exposure at Raleigh-Durham International Airport, The News & Observer previously reported. The person lived in another state and was traveling through Terminal 2, officials said at the time.
The virus also spreads more easily when “sharing the same airspace with an infectious person, for example, in households, a classroom, and other settings where people are in close contact,” a NCDHHS spokesperson told The Charlotte Observer in an email.
Measles symptoms
Measles symptoms typically appear seven to 14 days after infection, according to the CDC. Common initial symptoms include:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
After two to three days of symptoms, the CDC adds, tiny white spots known as Koplik spots may appear inside the mouth.
The rash associated with measles typically appears three to five days after symptoms set in. The rash usually starts as flat red spots on the face at the hairline and can spread down the body. It may be accompanied by small raised bumps and/or a fever spike to more than 104°F.
Mecklenburg Public Health recommends anyone with measles symptoms seek medical care immediately and call ahead before visiting a doctor’s office, clinic or emergency room “to get instructions to prevent further spread” of the disease.
How effective is the measles vaccine?
The MMR vaccine remains the most effective protection against measles, Dr. David Wohl, an infectious disease expert at UNC Health, previously told The Observer.
Mecklenburg County Public Health urges residents to stay up to date on the vaccine, noting that two doses are about 97% effective at preventing the disease.
Who should get the measles vaccine?
Most children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, the first at 12 to 15 months and the second at 4 to 6 years, according to NCDHHS. Adults who are unvaccinated or unsure of their vaccination status should consult a health care provider.
In North Carolina, people need the MMR vaccine to enter child care programs, K-12 schools and colleges/universities, NCDHHS says.
People born before 1957 are generally considered immune, though an additional dose is safe, Wohl said. The vaccine is not recommended for infants younger than 1 year or for people who are severely immunocompromised, such as those undergoing chemotherapy.
Where to get the measles vaccine in NC
You can visit any of the following places for MMR vaccines in NC:
- Pharmacies: Walk in or schedule appointments at pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens. You can also inquire with local neighborhood pharmacies.
- Some grocery and big box stores with pharmacies: Walk in or schedule appointments at stores like Walmart, Target and Publix.
- Your healthcare provider: Of course, you can contact your doctor for an appointment.
Portions of this story were previously published in The Charlotte Observer.
This story was originally published February 11, 2026 at 9:09 AM with the headline "Here’s where you’re most likely to catch measles spreading in NC."
