Third Case of Measles Reported in Mecklenburg County

Mecklenburg County Public Health and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) are reporting a third case of measles in an unvaccinated child in Mecklenburg County. The child is recovering in isolation at home and the contact investigation process is ongoing. To protect privacy, no further information on this case will be shared.

Mecklenburg County Public Health and Union County Public Health are coordinating on the investigation of a case in a Mecklenburg County child who attends school in Union County to notify, test, quarantine and vaccinate potential exposures as needed. 

Additionally, Mecklenburg County Public Health is announcing a public exposure notice for people in attendance at events at Sardis Presbyterian School on Jan.17, 2026. The public exposure occurred at 6100 Sardis Road, where community members were present for various events. If you were at this location, on that day, learn more about what to do if you were exposed to measles. 

“Public health continues to work with partners to investigate and monitor measles in our community to protect health and prevent further spread of the disease,” said Dr. Kimberly Scott, Mecklenburg County Public Health interim director. “We encourage everyone to get up to date on their MMR vaccine, which is safe and highly effective.”

Moving forward, cases and public exposure notices in the county will be reported on the NCDHHS measles dashboard, which updates Tuesdays and Fridays. 

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. About one in five people in the United States who get measles will be hospitalized.

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. In most cases, if you previously received the recommended measles vaccine, you do not need a booster. If you're not sure whether you should get a dose of measles vaccine, talk with your healthcare provider.

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. The MMR vaccine is offered at the Mecklenburg County Public Health Immunization Clinic.