The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has issued a public health alert after an individual diagnosed with infectious measles traveled through Gaston County. Potential exposure locations include a restaurant in Gastonia and an outdoor event in McAdenville, with officials advising specific individuals to monitor for symptoms.
Public Health Alert Details
NCDHHS confirmed that an individual with infectious measles visited specific locations in Gaston County on December 26, 2025. The department has released details of these potential exposure sites:
- Constantine's Restaurant, Gastonia: Individuals who were present at this location after 8:30 p.m. on December 26, 2025, are advised to monitor for measles symptoms until January 16.
- Christmas Town USA, McAdenville: The individual also visited this outdoor location between 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. on December 26, 2025. Officials stated that the individual did not enter indoor facilities at Christmas Town USA, resulting in a low risk of transmission to others present during this period.
Recommendations for Exposed Individuals
Individuals who may have been exposed are advised to take the following precautions:
- Monitor for measles symptoms.
- If symptoms develop, contact a local health department immediately.
- Remain home unless seeking medical attention.
- Call medical facilities in advance before visiting to allow for preventative measures against further transmission.
About Measles
Measles is a respiratory illness transmitted through coughing and sneezing. Symptoms typically manifest between seven and 21 days following exposure. Key symptoms include:
- High fever, potentially exceeding 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cough.
- Runny nose.
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis).
- Koplik Spots, which are tiny white spots located on the inner cheeks, gums, and roof of the mouth, typically appearing two to three days after initial symptoms.
- A characteristic red, raised, blotchy rash that usually begins on the face and spreads to the trunk, arms, and legs three to five days after symptom onset.
Regional and National Context
This exposure alert occurs amidst increased measles activity regionally and nationally.
- NCDHHS previously confirmed a measles case in a child from Polk County in late December, which has been linked to an ongoing outbreak in upstate South Carolina. The South Carolina outbreak has recorded 179 measles cases since July.
- In December, another individual with measles was identified as having traveled through Terminal 2 of Raleigh-Durham International Airport.
- Nationwide, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 2,065 confirmed measles cases across 44 states as of December 30, 2025.
Prevention
State health officials emphasize vaccination as the most effective method for protection against measles.