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Multiple Measles Exposure Alerts Issued Across North Carolina Amid Regional Activity

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Measles Alerts Issued Across North Carolina Counties Following Confirmed Exposures

Public health officials in North Carolina have issued several alerts regarding potential measles exposures, following confirmed cases in multiple counties. Incidents involving individuals diagnosed with measles occurred in Gaston County and at Raleigh-Durham International Airport in December 2025, with subsequent cases confirmed in Durham, Wake, and Johnston counties in February 2026.

Health authorities are advising individuals who visited specific locations during identified times to monitor for symptoms and take preventive measures.

Measles Exposure Incidents Across North Carolina

Gaston County Exposure

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) reported that an individual with infectious measles traveled through Gaston County on December 26, 2025. Potential exposure locations and times include:

  • Constantine's Restaurant, Gastonia: After 8:30 p.m.
  • Christmas Town USA, McAdenville: From 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Officials stated the individual did not enter indoor facilities at Christmas Town USA, indicating a low risk of transmission at that specific location.

Individuals present at Constantine's Restaurant during the specified time are advised to monitor for symptoms until January 16, 2026.

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)

In December 2025, an individual diagnosed with measles was identified as having traveled through Terminal 2 of Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

Durham County Confirmed Cases

Durham County Public Health reported that a non-resident individual with a confirmed measles case visited three public locations on Friday, February 6, 2026, while contagious. Potential exposures occurred at:

  • Goodwill, 4318 Garret Rd., Durham: Between 10:20 a.m. and 1:10 p.m.
  • Chubby's Tacos, 4711 Hope Valley Road, Durham: Between 11:45 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
  • Plato's Closet, 8128 Renaissance Pkwy #110, Durham: Between 12:45 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Wake County Public Health Alert

Wake County Public Health reported a separate non-resident individual from another state, confirmed to have measles, visited several public places in Wake County on February 5-6, 2026. Potential exposures include:

  • O2 Fitness, 7801 Alexander Promenade Place, Raleigh: February 5, 2026, from 1:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
  • Everbowl, 7840 Alexander Promenade Place, Suite 125, Raleigh: February 5, 2026, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
  • Harris Teeter, 13210 Strickland Road, Raleigh: February 5, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7:10 p.m.
  • Harris Teeter, 8345 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh: February 5, 2026, from 5:15 p.m. to 7:35 p.m.
  • Walgreens, 13301 Strickland Road., Raleigh: February 6, 2026, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:40 p.m.

For those potentially exposed in Durham and Wake counties, the monitoring period for symptoms extends until at least February 27, 2026.

Johnston County Reports First Case Since 2018

Johnston County confirmed an adult case of measles, marking the county's first such case since 2018. The Johnston County Public Health Department and UNC Health Johnston are collaborating with NCDHHS to identify and contact potentially exposed individuals. It is currently unknown if this case is linked to the individuals involved in the Wake and Durham county exposures.

UNC Health Johnston CEO Tom Williams stated that the emergency department team implemented protocols, including masking and utilizing a negative-pressure room, upon the patient's arrival to limit exposure.

Understanding Measles: Symptoms and Transmission

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease transmitted through the air via coughing, sneezing, and contact with nasal or oral secretions. The virus can remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected person has left an area.

Symptoms typically appear between 7 and 21 days post-exposure and may include:

  • High fever, potentially exceeding 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Cough.
  • Runny nose.
  • Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis).
  • Koplik Spots: Tiny white spots located on the inner cheeks, gums, and roof of the mouth, usually appearing two to three days after initial symptoms.
  • A characteristic red, raised, blotchy rash that generally begins on the face and spreads to the trunk, arms, and legs three to five days after symptom onset.

Public Health Guidance and Prevention Measures

Health officials advise individuals who may have been exposed or are unsure of their vaccination status to take immediate action:

  • Monitor for measles symptoms diligently.
  • Contact their local health department immediately if symptoms develop.
  • Remain home unless seeking medical attention.
  • Call medical facilities in advance before visiting to allow for preventative measures to be put in place.
  • Review vaccination records or confirm immunity status. The NCDHHS website offers a "Check Your Immunity" tool.
  • Laboratory testing for exposed individuals is not recommended unless symptoms like fever and rash develop.

Vaccination is cited by state health officials as the most effective method for protection against measles. The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine has demonstrated long-term effectiveness. Rebecca Kaufman, Wake County Public Health Director, noted that while measles spreads easily, it is preventable through vaccination, which protects both individuals and community members. Wake County's vaccination rate is currently 94%, with herd immunity requiring a 95% rate. Dr. Marilyn Pearson, Johnston County Public Health Director, encouraged community cooperation to prevent spread and advised residents to seek vaccination if not immune.

Broader Context: Regional and National Measles Activity

These North Carolina alerts occur amidst broader measles activity across the country. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 2,065 confirmed measles cases across 44 states as of December 30, 2025.

Regionally, NCDHHS previously confirmed a measles case in a child from Polk County in late December 2025, linked to an ongoing outbreak in upstate South Carolina, which has recorded 179 measles cases since July.