Public Health Urges Measles Vaccination as National Cases Rise
Mecklenburg County Public Health is encouraging parents to make sure their children are up to date on their vaccines, especially the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, as national cases of measles rise.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 222 cases of measles have been reported from 12 states in 2025 (as of March 7) – including outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico. There has been one death associated with the Texas outbreak and one death associated with the New Mexico outbreak. No cases have been reported in Mecklenburg County this year. Last year, there was a confirmed case in Mecklenburg County that was the first case of measles in North Carolina since 2018.
“It is frustrating to see a disease that was once eliminated in the U.S. start to circulate again in communities across the country,” said Dr. Raynard Washington, Mecklenburg County Public Health director. “Measles is a highly contagious and serious illness and our best tool to protect against is vaccination. I encourage parents to make sure their children are up to date on their vaccines to protect their health and prevent outbreaks in our community.”
Measles is a viral illness that can have serious health complications and can easily spread. The symptoms of measles include a fever, runny nose, cough, rash and red eyes. Around 90% of unvaccinated individuals who are exposed to measles will become infected. And about one in five people in the United States who get measles will be hospitalized.
The CDC recommends that people of all ages keep up to date with their vaccinations. Children should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine – the first dose at 12 through 15 months of age and the second dose 4 through 6 years of age. One dose of the vaccine is 93% effective at preventing measles and two doses is 97% effective.
If you see symptoms of measles, call your doctor, clinic or emergency department right away. It’s important to call a healthcare facility before you go to get instructions to prevent further spread of measles.
The MMR vaccine is widely available at healthcare providers and retail pharmacies across Mecklenburg County, and it is offered for free or low-cost at the Mecklenburg County Public Health Immunization Clinic. Public Health’s mobile health unit will be providing vaccines on-site at CMS schools throughout the spring.