Mecklenburg County Public Health is now offering same-day measles vaccinations after the virus was detected in wastewater samples from the Sugar Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. Officials say there are no confirmed cases in the county so far, but the discovery comes as measles cases rise in nearby parts of North Carolina and during an active outbreak in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
“Vaccination remains the best tool we have to prevent illness and protect our community from a large-scale outbreak,” said Dr. Raynard Washington, director of Mecklenburg County Public Health, in a statement to MeckNC.gov. He urged families to ensure children are up to date on vaccinations amid rising measles cases in the Carolinas and nationwide. The MMR vaccine is available at all Mecklenburg County public health clinics.
With 2,144 confirmed measles cases nationwide in 2025—the highest total since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000—public health officials are on high alert. North Carolina has reported six cases as of Jan. 9 across multiple counties, with Mecklenburg County’s last confirmed case in 2024. In response, the health department is offering free or low-cost vaccinations and deploying mobile clinics to schools to reduce the risk of further spread.
Public health officials are reminding residents that measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can lead to serious complications and hospitalization, especially among unvaccinated individuals. Children are advised to receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, the first at 12–15 months and the second at ages 4–6. The department notes that one dose is 93% effective and two doses are 97% effective, and urges anyone unsure of their vaccination status or experiencing symptoms to consult a healthcare provider.
Mecklenburg County Public Health is taking a proactive approach through wastewater surveillance, a tool that can detect viruses like measles before cases appear in the community. Officials say the early warning system helps them respond quickly to potential health threats and protect public safety.
