Mecklenburg County Public Health has put Charlotte on alert after confirming that a measles patient from another jurisdiction spent time at several local spots earlier this month. The department has issued exposure notices for Atrium Carolinas Medical Center’s Neuro ICU, a South End Chipotle and two Goodwill stores, and is urging anyone who was there during specific time windows to watch closely for symptoms.
Where The Possible Exposures Happened
According to a county news release, the locations and time frames are:
- Atrium Carolinas Medical Center Neuro ICU (1000 Blythe Blvd.) on Feb. 3 from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. and Feb. 4 from 7 p.m. to midnight
- Chipotle at 239 S. Kings Drive on Feb. 3 from 9:50 to 11:50 p.m.
- Goodwill at 5808 University Point Blvd. on Feb. 4 from noon to 3:45 p.m.
- Goodwill at 3710 W. W.T. Harris Blvd. on Feb. 4 from 2 to 4:40 p.m.
The county notes that the Children’s Hospital was not affected, according to Mecklenburg County Public Health.
How It Ties Into The Broader Measles Uptick
Health officials say these Charlotte exposures are connected to a confirmed measles case that originated outside Mecklenburg County, not from local spread, as reported by WCNC. State health leaders have warned that measles cases are climbing across North Carolina and are tracking both cases and exposure notices on a regularly updated measles dashboard maintained by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
Why Officials Go Public With Exposure Notices
“When exposures of a case cannot be identified or contacted through the case investigation, public health will issue an exposure notice to protect health and prevent further spread,” the county explained in its release. Officials also stress that the listed spots were not where the person caught measles, and that those locations are now considered safe to visit, according to Mecklenburg County Public Health.
What Measles Looks Like And When Symptoms Hit
Measles usually starts with a high fever along with a cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. A rash typically shows up a few days after those first symptoms. Problems often begin 7 to 14 days after someone is exposed but can appear as late as 21 days, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. If you start to feel sick, public health guidance is to call your doctor, clinic or emergency department before you show up so staff can plan a safe evaluation and lower the chance of exposing other people.
MMR Shots And Local Vaccine Options
The MMR vaccine is widely available through health-care providers and retail pharmacies, and Mecklenburg County Public Health also operates immunization services and clinics that can provide the shot. Local coverage has highlighted county walk-in and clinic options for measles vaccination; see WBTV for clinic details.
What To Do If You Were At One Of The Locations
If you visited any of the listed sites during the specified time windows, health officials want you to keep an eye out for fever, cough, runny nose or a rash. If anything crops up, call your health-care provider before going in person, as local outlets and officials have advised, per WSOC. Officials also recommend checking public health websites for updates on exposure notices and case numbers and following any new instructions that are posted.
