Two Measles Cases Confirmed in Mecklenburg County

Mecklenburg County Public Health is investigating a confirmed case of measles in an adult who was a contact to a confirmed case of measles via travel. The adult is recovering at home in isolation and the contact investigation process is complete.

Public Health is also investigating a case of measles in an unvaccinated Mecklenburg County child who had been in contact with a child from Spartanburg, South Carolina, where a measles outbreak of over 600 cases is ongoing. The child is recovering at home in isolation, and the contact investigation process is ongoing.

To protect privacy, no further information on these cases will be shared.

A virtual media update with public health leaders will be held Friday. More details to follow.

“With measles cases now confirmed in Mecklenburg County, we encourage everyone to get up to date on their MMR vaccine to protect their health and our community,” said Dr. Kimbelry Scott, Mecklenburg County Public Health interim director. “While we have strong vaccine coverage in the county, we continue to see how fast measles can spread with measles cases increasing in the Carolinas. Vaccination is the best tool we have to prevent an outbreak here.” 

According to the CDC, there were 2,144 confirmed cases of measles in the United States in 2025 – the highest number of cases since measles was declared eliminated in 2000. Several cases have already been confirmed in North Carolina so far in 2026.

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.

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 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, and it is offered at the Mecklenburg County Public Health Immunization Clinic.