RALEIGH, NC – The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has announced the confirmation of the state's first measles case of 2025. The confirmed case involves a child who was visiting Forsyth and Guilford counties after traveling from another country currently experiencing measles outbreaks. The child became ill while in North Carolina, prompting immediate public health action.

This development underscores the ongoing global threat of measles and highlights the importance of robust public health surveillance and vaccination efforts. Health officials are actively investigating the case to identify any potential exposures and prevent further transmission within the state.

Confirmed Case Details and Investigation

According to a media advisory issued by NCDHHS, the confirmed case is in a child who had recently traveled internationally. The NCDHHS did not release further details about the child's identity or specific travel itinerary, citing patient privacy. However, they confirmed that the child's illness manifested while they were present in Forsyth and Guilford counties.

Upon confirmation of the measles diagnosis, state and local public health teams initiated a thorough investigation. This process, known as contact tracing, involves identifying individuals who may have been exposed to the virus. Public health officials are working diligently to notify potential contacts and provide guidance on monitoring for symptoms and appropriate next steps. The NCDHHS emphasizes that this rapid response is crucial to containing the spread of the highly contagious virus.

Understanding Measles and Its Risks

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms typically include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a characteristic rash that usually appears three to five days after the first symptoms. The rash often starts on the face and spreads down to the rest of the body.

While often considered a childhood illness, measles can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and even death, especially in young children and immunocompromised individuals. Before the widespread availability of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, measles was a common childhood disease responsible for thousands of deaths annually in the United States.

Public Health Response and Recommendations

In response to the confirmed case, NCDHHS and local health departments are urging residents, especially those in Forsyth and Guilford counties, to be vigilant for symptoms and to ensure their vaccination status is up to date.

Dr. Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson, State Health Director and Chief Medical Officer for NCDHHS, emphasized the critical role of vaccination. "The measles vaccine is highly effective and safe," Dr. Tilson stated in the advisory. "This case serves as a reminder that measles is still a threat globally, and vaccination is the best protection for individuals and communities."

The NCDHHS recommends that anyone who has not been vaccinated against measles, or is unsure of their vaccination status, consult with their healthcare provider. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are typically recommended for full protection. Individuals who experience symptoms consistent with measles are advised to contact their healthcare provider immediately and inform them of their symptoms before visiting a clinic or emergency room to prevent potential exposure to others.

Global Context and Prevention

The confirmed case in North Carolina occurs amidst a global resurgence of measles. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reported a significant increase in measles cases worldwide over the past few years, largely due to disruptions in routine immunization programs during the pandemic and vaccine hesitancy in some regions. International travel serves as a common pathway for the introduction of measles into areas with lower vaccination rates, posing a risk to unvaccinated populations.

North Carolina health officials are committed to monitoring the situation closely and providing updates as necessary. The public is encouraged to rely on credible sources, such as NCDHHS and the CDC, for accurate information regarding measles and prevention strategies. Maintaining high vaccination coverage within communities remains the cornerstone of preventing large-scale outbreaks.