RALEIGH, N.C. (WGHP) — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is working hard to prevent the spread of measles in our state.
In a release from the NCDHHS on Friday, the department urges people to stay up to date on measles vaccinations as cases have started to rise across the country.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is taking proactive steps to ensure the state remains prepared for any potential cases or outbreaks. While there have been no reported cases of measles in North Carolina so far in 2025, public health officials are urging residents, health care providers and child care centers to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves, their communities and those at highest risk, especially unvaccinated children,” the release states.
At least 483 cases are now confirmed in Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, and Washington, according to the CDC.
“Although we currently have no cases of measles in North Carolina, the increase in cases across the nation and the world means we must be vigilant,” said Dr. Zack Moore, NCDHHS State Epidemiologist. “Vaccination is the best way to protect against measles. We encourage all North Carolinians to ensure they are up to date on their MMR vaccinations, and we are working with local health departments to ensure our state is prepared for any potential outbreaks.”
Measles has been dramatically increasing year over year in the US, with 59 reported cases in 2023 ballooning to 285 cases in 2024, and now there have already been nearly 500 cases in the first three months of 2025 alone.
“Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can lead to serious health complications, especially in babies and young children,” NCDHHS says. “The virus spreads through the air when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes. The virus can also be spread by contact with contaminated surfaces or objects and can remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. The virus can spread before and after the presence of symptoms, putting unvaccinated individuals at high risk.”
Due to the highly infectious nature of measles, a higher percentage of the population needs to be vaccinated to prevent the spread. NCDHHS says that 95% of the population must be vaccinated to protect the community from a measles outbreak.
“The state’s measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination rate for kindergartners was 93.8% for the 2023-2024 school year, just below the 95% threshold, but vaccination rates are even lower in some counties and schools,” the NCDHHS says.
Here are the preparedness measures being utilized by the NCDHHS:
- Vaccination: NCDHHS strongly urges all residents to ensure they are up-to-date on the MMR vaccine.
- Public Awareness
- Guidance for Child Care Centers and Schools: Schools, childcare centers and community organizations should review vaccination records and ensure that all children and staff members are up to date with their vaccinations.
- Preparedness and Monitoring: NCDHHS has issued “guidance for health care providers to be on the lookout for measles symptoms and to immediately report suspected cases.”
As for citizens, they can ensure that children and other family members are properly vaccinated, be aware of the symptoms of measles — which include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a red rash that usually begins on the face — and talk to your healthcare provider about any future travel plans.
