New measles case brings North Carolina total to 22 since December: health officials

February 17, 2026 - 19:02

State health officials confirmed on Tuesday that the total number of measles cases in North Carolina has reached 22, all occurring since the beginning of December. This recent confirmation adds another infection to the tally, highlighting a concerning outbreak of the highly contagious virus.

The majority of these cases have been linked to a single outbreak cluster. Health authorities are emphasizing that the vast majority of those infected were unvaccinated against measles at the time of exposure. This underscores the critical importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of the disease.

Measles is a serious respiratory illness that can lead to severe complications, especially in young children and vulnerable populations. Symptoms typically begin with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a characteristic red rash that spreads across the body. The virus is so contagious that it can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left an area.

Public health teams are actively working to identify anyone who may have been exposed and are urging residents to check their vaccination status. The Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe, effective, and provides lasting protection against the disease. Officials stress that vaccination remains the best defense against further transmission and serious health outcomes.