Western North Carolina Confirms Measles Outbreak

The state of North Carolina is currently experiencing a measles outbreak, with 11 confirmed cases since late December 2025, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS).

As of January 23, 2026, health officials describe these cases as "embers" from a larger outbreak in South Carolina, where over 600 cases have been reported, mainly around Spartanburg County.

The NCDHHS measles dashboard indicates that cases are primarily in the western regions, with Buncombe County having the most cases (6), followed by Polk County (2), Cabarrus County (2), and Rutherford County (1).

Epidemiologists have noted local community transmission in North Carolina, with about 64% of cases in unvaccinated individuals and 34% having received only one dose of the MMR vaccine.

MMR vaccination is now recommended for infants aged 6–11 months in high-risk areas.

Nationally, the U.S. saw 2,144 measles cases in 2025, the highest since elimination in 2000.

Measles is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis. Fortunately, measles-related fatalities are seldom reported in the USA.

For the latest updates, visit the NCDHHS measles dashboard at dph.ncdhhs.gov or consult CDC resources on measles.