The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is emphasizing the importance of vaccines as measles cases increase across the state. Since late December, 15 cases have been reported, including one recent hospitalization. NCDHHS is providing communities with resources to help prevent further spread, including a text notification service to alert individuals of potential exposure.
The NCDHHS advises that anyone aged one year or older who has not been vaccinated receive the measles vaccine, particularly those traveling internationally or to areas within the U.S. experiencing outbreaks. Most recent cases in the state have been linked to travel to outbreak-affected regions, primarily affecting unvaccinated individuals.
Anyone aged one year or older who has not been vaccinated is advised to receive the measles vaccine, particularly if traveling internationally or to areas in the U.S. experiencing outbreaks. Most recent cases in the state have involved unvaccinated individuals returning from regions with active outbreaks.
Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable virus that spreads through the air and direct contact. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. Symptoms typically appear about a week after exposure, but can take up to 21 days, and include high fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash that starts on the face and spreads. The NCDHHS has released a measles toolkit with flyers and graphics to raise community awareness and promote prevention.
The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is available through healthcare providers, local health departments, and some retail pharmacies, with advance contact recommended to confirm availability. The vaccine is strongly recommended for children through the Vaccines for Children program offered by enrolled providers. Individuals unsure of their immunity status can use the NCDHHS immunity checker tool. Additional information on measles prevention and the vaccine is available at dph.ncdhhs.gov/measles.
