Health officials are issuing an urgent public warning about potential measles exposure in Gastonia, North Carolina. A confirmed case has been linked to Constantine’s Restaurant after an individual, contagious with measles, traveled through Gaston County. This alert comes amidst a broader national and global resurgence of the highly contagious disease. Understanding the risks, recognizing symptoms, and knowing how to respond are crucial for community safety.
This comprehensive guide details the Gastonia exposure, explains measles, outlines critical prevention steps, and places the local incident within its alarming national context.
Critical Health Alert for Gastonia: Restaurant Exposure Details
North Carolina health authorities, including the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and Gaston County Public Health, have identified a specific risk location in Gastonia. An individual confirmed with measles was present in the county while contagious on December 26, 2025.
Key Exposure Location and Dates
The primary location of concern for potential public exposure is:
Constantine’s Restaurant
Address: 1825 South New Hope Road, Gastonia
Date & Time: After 8:30 p.m. on December 26, 2025
Anyone who was at Constantine’s Restaurant during this timeframe should monitor themselves for measles symptoms. The monitoring period extends through January 16, 2026, as symptoms can appear up to 21 days post-exposure.
Officials also noted the infected individual visited Christmas Town USA in McAdenville from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on December 26. However, the risk of transmission at this specific location is considered low. This is because the person did not enter any indoor facilities during their visit.
Understanding Measles: A Highly Contagious Threat
Measles is a severe and highly contagious respiratory disease. It spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain viable and infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after the infected person has left an area. This persistence makes it a significant public health challenge.
Recognizing Measles Symptoms
Symptoms of measles typically emerge 7 to 14 days after exposure, but can appear up to 21 days later. Be vigilant for these characteristic signs:
High Fever: Often spiking to over 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
Persistent Cough: A dry, hacking cough.
Runny Nose: Similar to a common cold.
Red, Watery Eyes: Known as conjunctivitis.
Koplik Spots: Tiny white spots inside the cheeks, on the gums, and on the roof of the mouth. These typically appear two to three days after initial symptoms begin.
Characteristic Rash: A red, raised, and blotchy rash. It usually starts on the face and behind the ears, then spreads to the trunk, arms, and legs. This rash typically emerges three to five days after the onset of other symptoms.
Serious Complications of Measles
While often considered a childhood disease, measles can lead to severe health complications. These are particularly dangerous for young children. Potential complications include:
Pneumonia
Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
Ear infections
Severe diarrhea and dehydration
Globally, measles remains a deadly disease. An estimated 95,000 lives were lost to measles in 2024, predominantly among unvaccinated children under the age of five. This highlights the critical importance of prevention.
Your Immediate Action Plan if Potentially Exposed
If you believe you may have been exposed at Constantine’s Restaurant or develop any measles-like symptoms, taking immediate and responsible action is paramount.
Steps for Individuals with Potential Exposure:
- Monitor Symptoms: Diligently watch for any of the described measles symptoms through January 16, 2026.
- Stay Home: If you develop symptoms, do not go to work, school, or other public places. This helps prevent further spread.
- Contact Health Officials: Immediately call your local health department to report your symptoms and exposure.
- Call Ahead for Medical Care: If you need to seek medical attention, call your doctor’s office or emergency room BEFORE arriving. This allows healthcare providers to take necessary precautions to prevent transmission to other patients and staff.
- Check Vaccination Status: Confirm your measles vaccination status with your healthcare provider. North Carolina residents can also use the state’s measles immunity checker tool.
The Critical Role of Vaccination in Measles Prevention
Vaccination remains the safest and most effective method for preventing measles. The Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine provides robust protection against this dangerous disease. Public health authorities strongly encourage vaccination to protect individuals, families, and communities.
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
Unvaccinated Individuals: Everyone aged one year or older who is unvaccinated should receive the measles vaccine.
Infants: Infants between six and eleven months old are advised to receive the vaccine if they are traveling internationally or to areas experiencing active measles outbreaks.
Widespread vaccination efforts have been incredibly successful. They have reduced measles-related deaths by nearly 90 percent worldwide since the year 2000. For comprehensive information on measles vaccination and to schedule appointments, contact your healthcare provider or local health department.
A Broader Public Health Challenge: Measles Resurgence
The Gastonia measles exposure is not an isolated incident. It reflects a concerning national and global trend. Measles cases are reaching their highest levels in the United States since the widespread adoption of the second dose of the MMR vaccine in the early 1990s. This resurgence threatens the U.S. measles-free status, a designation achieved after eliminating endemic measles domestically.
National and State Snapshot
United States: As of December 30, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a total of 2,065 confirmed measles cases across 44 states. This figure represents the highest number in the country in over three decades.
North Carolina: The Gastonia case marks the third measles case identified in North Carolina this year (2025).
Measles Exposures Across the U.S.
Several other significant measles exposures have recently occurred, underscoring the widespread nature of this public health challenge:
Denver International Airport (Colorado): An out-of-state traveler caused potential exposure in the B Concourse on December 12. Although the infected individual was fully vaccinated and had mild symptoms, the risk of spread prompted a broad alert. Colorado has also seen a dramatic rise, with 36 cases this year.
Walnut Creek & Lafayette (California): Contra Costa County confirmed a case linked to multiple retail and medical locations, including Anthropologie, Macy’s, Apple Store, STAT Med, and Kaiser Permanente Emergency Department, between December 17 and 24.
Kentucky Tourist Attractions: Health officials warned of exposure at the Ark Encounter in Williamstown and a Holiday Inn & Suites in Dry Ridge between December 28-30, linked to an unvaccinated traveler. This coincided with an accelerating outbreak in South Carolina, leading to hundreds of quarantines.
These incidents highlight that unvaccinated individuals, pregnant women, and those who are immunocompromised are particularly at risk during this heightened period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key symptoms of measles and how long after exposure do they appear?
Measles symptoms typically include a high fever (over 104°F), a persistent cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. These initial symptoms are often followed by tiny white Koplik spots inside the mouth, and then a characteristic red, blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads downwards. Symptoms can appear anywhere from 7 to 21 days after exposure to the virus.
If I was at Constantine’s Restaurant in Gastonia on December 26, what immediate steps should I take?
If you were at Constantine’s Restaurant at 1825 South New Hope Road, Gastonia, after 8:30 p.m. on December 26, 2025, you should immediately monitor yourself for measles symptoms until January 16, 2026. If symptoms develop, stay home, contact your local health department right away, and call your doctor or emergency room before visiting in person to allow them to take precautions.
Is the measles vaccine still effective, and who is recommended to get it?
Yes, the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine remains highly effective and is the safest way to prevent measles. Health officials strongly recommend vaccination for all unvaccinated individuals aged one year and older. Additionally, infants between 6 and 11 months old should receive the vaccine if they are traveling internationally or to areas experiencing active measles outbreaks, due to the current global resurgence of the disease.
Stay Informed, Stay Protected
The urgent warning regarding measles exposure at Constantine’s Restaurant in Gastonia is a stark reminder of the importance of public health vigilance. With measles cases on the rise across the nation and globally, understanding the disease, recognizing symptoms, and prioritizing vaccination are critical actions. By taking proactive steps and following public health guidance, we can collectively help prevent further spread and protect our communities.
For more information or to schedule a vaccination, please contact your healthcare provider or local Gaston County Public Health officials immediately.
