Asheville's Measles Outbreak Risk Elevated

North Carolina health officials have confirmed three cases of measles in Buncombe County, which is home to the city of Asheville, a leading tourist destination. This marks the first confirmed instances of measles in the area in decades.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and Buncombe County Health and Human Services announced these cases on January 6, 2026. The cases involve three siblings who recently traveled to Spartanburg County, South Carolina, where a rapidly expanding measles outbreak has been occurring since late 2025.

These children began to show symptoms approximately one to two weeks after visiting the measles outbreak area, which is about 100 miles away.

Additionally, a potential public exposure occurred when the infected children visited the Mission Hospital Emergency Department waiting room (509 Biltmore Ave., Asheville, NC 28801) between 2:00 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. on January 4, 2026.

About two dozen potentially exposed individuals have been contacted by health officials.

Furthermore, anyone who was present during that time and has not been reached should call Buncombe County Public Health at 828-250-6100 for guidance.

And measles vaccines are readily available at primary care providers, pharmacies, and the Buncombe County Immunization Clinic located at 40 Coxe Ave., Asheville.

Across North Carolina, five confirmed measles cases have been reported since late December 2025, including additional cases in Polk and Rutherford counties.

According to NCDHHS, as of January 14, 2026, all but one of these NC cases are linked to travel from the South Carolina outbreak.

The outbreak in Spartanburg County has surged dramatically.

As of January 13, 2026, the South Carolina Department of Public Health reported 434 cases, with a significant increase of 124 new cases in just a few days. Most cases involve unvaccinated children.

Throughout 2025, measles outbreaks were identified in Texas, Utah, and other states. As well as record-setting outbreaks in Canada and Mexico.

Numerious health agencies recommend ensuring you are immune to measles before visiting an outbreak area in 2026.