North Carolina health officials have confirmed the state’s first case of measles for 2025. This development comes as the highly contagious illness sees a resurgence in other parts of the country and globally.
The confirmed case involves a child who became ill while visiting Forsyth and Guilford counties. According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), the child had recently traveled from another country where measles outbreaks are currently being reported.
“It was a matter of when we would get a case in North Carolina, not if,” stated Zack Moore, state epidemiologist at NCDHHS. State and local public health departments have been preparing for the potential arrival of measles cases given the national and international landscape.
Forsyth County Public Health Director, Joshua Swift, noted that officials were alerted to a potential case in the area on Sunday. Few specific details about the patient are being released to protect privacy.
The child has received treatment, been released, and is currently isolating to prevent further spread. Health officials anticipate the child will no longer be infectious as of Thursday.
National Context and Local Response
This North Carolina case is part of a larger national trend. As of late June 2025, over 1,214 measles cases have been reported across 36 states and the District of Columbia. States have been on high alert since earlier in the year, particularly after a significant outbreak in Texas.
In response to the confirmed case, health departments in Forsyth and Guilford counties are working closely with state officials. Their primary focus is on identifying and notifying individuals who may have been exposed to the virus while the child was infectious.
Several potential public exposure sites have been identified for the period between Thursday, June 19, and Sunday, June 21. These include:
Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro
Greensboro Science Center
Greensboro Aquatic Center
A hotel and a grocery store located in Kernersville
Individuals who were at these locations during the specified times are advised to review their measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination status, monitor for symptoms, and contact their healthcare provider or local public health department if they have concerns or develop symptoms.
Officials are also proactively contacting those known to have had non-public contact with the child to assess their vaccination status and risk.
Understanding Measles: Symptoms and Spread
Measles is a highly contagious, yet vaccine-preventable disease. It spreads easily through direct contact with infected individuals and through the air. The virus can remain airborne and infectious in an area for up to two hours after an infected person has left.
“Measles is one of the most contagious viruses out there,” Dr. Moore emphasized. Up to 90% of unvaccinated individuals exposed to the virus can become infected.
Symptoms typically appear 7 to 21 days after exposure and may include:
High fever, potentially exceeding 104°F
Cough
Runny nose
Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots), often appearing 2-3 days after initial symptoms
A characteristic red, blotchy rash that usually starts on the face and spreads downward to the body, arms, and legs, appearing 3-5 days after symptoms begin.
Importantly, an infected person can spread the disease from four days before the rash appears until four days after. Health officials recommend contacting a doctor or health department immediately if early symptoms are suspected, rather than waiting for the rash to develop.
While rare in North Carolina in recent years (one case in 2024, three in 2018), the confirmation of a 2025 case highlights the ongoing risk.
Prevention is Key: The Measles Vaccine
Vaccination remains the most effective method to prevent measles. The NCDHHS strongly recommends that all unvaccinated individuals aged 1 year and older receive the MMR vaccine. In certain situations, such as international travel or travel to areas with outbreaks, vaccination may be recommended for infants younger than one year old.
“Getting vaccinated against measles continues to be the most important step we can take to protect ourselves and our loved ones,” said N.C. Health and Human Services Secretary, Dev Sangvai. He stressed the importance of checking with healthcare providers to ensure vaccinations are current.
Individuals who are fully vaccinated against measles are considered protected and are not at risk, even after exposure. Local data indicates high vaccination rates in areas like Forsyth County, where over 90% of residents are reported to be fully vaccinated and thus protected.
Information on where the measles vaccine is available locally is expected to be shared by Forsyth County Public Health.
For further questions regarding measles or potential exposure, individuals can contact the Forsyth County Public Health Department at 336-703-3300 or their local health provider.
