Charlotte, NC, January 8, 2026
Health officials in North Carolina report a troubling increase in flu-related fatalities, now totaling 71 this season, while South Carolina faces an alarming measles outbreak with 211 confirmed cases. Public health authorities are emphasizing the importance of vaccination and hygiene practices to combat these highly contagious illnesses, which continue to strain healthcare systems in both states.
Charlotte, NC – January 8, 2026
Public Health Alarms Sound as Flu Deaths Rise in North Carolina and Measles Outbreak Expands in South Carolina
Health officials are calling for heightened public awareness and preventative action as North Carolina grapples with a significant increase in influenza-related fatalities. Simultaneously, neighboring South Carolina is confronting an escalating measles outbreak, with state health officials confirming 211 cases in the ongoing situation. These parallel public health challenges underscore the critical need for vaccination and adherence to health guidelines across both states, as highly contagious viral illnesses continue to spread and strain healthcare systems.
North Carolina Experiences Rising Flu Fatalities Amidst Intensifying Season
The flu season in North Carolina is intensifying, marked by a troubling rise in influenza-related deaths. Reports indicate an additional 22 fatalities occurred last week, bringing the total number of deaths this flu season to 71 since October. This upward trend highlights the severe impact the influenza virus can have, particularly on vulnerable populations. A significant majority, approximately 75%, of these flu deaths have occurred in individuals aged 65 and older. Tragically, the toll also includes two children between the ages of 5 and 17.
Despite a slight decrease in overall hospital visits for respiratory illnesses compared to the previous week, over 20% of emergency room visits across North Carolina were still attributed to flu-like illnesses recently. Last week alone, 3,419 individuals with respiratory illnesses required hospitalization, adding pressure to healthcare facilities. In response to the growing concern and to protect patients, several major hospitals in the state, including Duke, WakeMed, UNC Hospitals, and UNC Rex, have implemented visitor restrictions. Public health authorities are urging residents to take proactive measures, including vaccination, to help curb the spread of the virus and mitigate severe outcomes. Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that at least 7.5 million people have been affected by the flu this season.
Current Flu Season Dynamics and Prevention in North Carolina
The current influenza season in North Carolina is characterized by the circulation of multiple flu strains. Notably, a new variant, Subclade-K, has been linked to most cases, and while the current vaccine may not fully cover this specific variant, health experts continue to emphasize the importance of vaccination. The flu vaccine remains the most effective tool for reducing the risk of illness, lessening the severity of symptoms, and preventing serious complications, even against circulating strains.
Beyond vaccination, general preventative actions are crucial for limiting transmission. These include frequent handwashing with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, avoiding touching the eyes, nose, and mouth, and covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or into the elbow. Individuals experiencing flu symptoms, which commonly include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, headaches, and fatigue, are advised to stay home to prevent further spread and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or if they belong to a high-risk group.
South Carolina Grapples with Expanding Measles Outbreak
South Carolina is facing a significant public health challenge with a rapidly expanding measles outbreak. State health officials have confirmed a total of 211 cases in the ongoing outbreak, which is primarily concentrated in Spartanburg County. This highly contagious viral infection has seen a surge with 26 new infections reported recently. The outbreak, which began last fall, is among the most substantial in the nation and poses a serious threat to public health.
Measles is known for its high transmissibility; it spreads easily from person to person through respiratory droplets and can remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected individual has left a space. The initial symptoms often include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a characteristic rash that spreads over the body. This disease can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, brain swelling (encephalitis), and even death, especially in young children.
Containment Efforts and Vaccination Urgency in South Carolina
In response to the escalating situation, South Carolina health authorities have intensified their efforts to contain the outbreak. Contact tracing is actively underway to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed, with recent exposures linked to households, schools, and various churches in Spartanburg County. As of recent reports, 144 people are in quarantine and seven are in isolation to prevent further spread. Alarmingly, the outbreak has already extended beyond state lines, with four North Carolina children who visited Spartanburg County testing positive for measles.
Officials are strongly advocating for the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine as the most effective protective measure against measles. Data indicates that at least 93% of those infected in the current outbreak were unvaccinated, underscoring the critical role of immunization. The MMR vaccine, typically administered in two doses (the first between 12-15 months of age and the second between 4-6 years), is approximately 97% effective in preventing measles. Four individuals, including both adults and children, have required hospitalization due to measles complications during this outbreak. Maintaining high vaccination rates, ideally 95% community coverage, is essential for achieving herd immunity and preventing the resurgence of preventable diseases like measles, a status the United States achieved in 2000 but now risks losing due to increasing cases nationwide.
Broader Public Health Implications and Continued Vigilance
The concurrent rise in flu deaths in North Carolina and the expanding measles outbreak in South Carolina highlight the persistent threat of infectious diseases and the vital role of public health infrastructure. These situations place a significant burden on healthcare systems, requiring substantial resources for testing, treatment, contact tracing, and public health campaigns.
The ongoing challenges underscore the importance of readily available and accessible vaccination services for both influenza and measles. Public health advisories encourage everyone eligible to receive recommended vaccinations, emphasizing their role not only in individual protection but also in fostering community-wide immunity. Continued adherence to basic hygiene practices, self-isolation when sick, and seeking prompt medical advice for concerning symptoms remain crucial steps in safeguarding public health against these widespread viral threats.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the current situation with flu deaths in North Carolina?
- North Carolina is experiencing a significant increase in influenza-related fatalities, with the total number of deaths reaching 71 this flu season since October.
- How many confirmed measles cases are there in South Carolina?
- South Carolina is grappling with an escalating measles outbreak, with state health officials reporting 211 confirmed cases in the ongoing situation.
- Which age group accounts for most flu deaths in North Carolina?
- Approximately 75% of flu deaths in North Carolina have occurred in individuals aged 65 and older.
- What vaccine is effective against measles?
- The Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles.
- What are common symptoms of measles?
- Measles symptoms often begin with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a characteristic rash that spreads over the body.
- How effective is the MMR vaccine against measles?
- Two doses of the MMR vaccine are approximately 97% effective in preventing measles.
- What are the primary recommendations for preventing influenza?
- Primary recommendations for preventing influenza include getting vaccinated, consistent hand hygiene, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and staying home when feeling unwell.
Key Features of the Public Health Situation
| Feature | Details | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Flu Deaths Trend | 71 total deaths this flu season since October; 22 new deaths last week. | State-level (North Carolina) |
| Most Affected Age Group (Flu) | Approximately 75% of flu deaths are in individuals aged 65 and older. | State-level (North Carolina) |
| Measles Outbreak Status | 211 confirmed cases in the ongoing outbreak. | State-level (South Carolina) |
| Measles Outbreak Location | Primarily concentrated in Spartanburg County. | State-level (South Carolina) |
| Measles Vaccination Status | At least 93% of infected individuals were unvaccinated. | State-level (South Carolina) |
| Key Prevention for Flu | Annual vaccination, consistent hand hygiene, avoiding sick individuals, staying home when unwell. | Nationwide |
| Key Prevention for Measles | MMR Vaccination (two doses are ~97% effective). | Nationwide |
| Impact on Healthcare | Rising hospitalizations for respiratory illnesses, visitor restrictions in some facilities. | State-level (North Carolina & South Carolina) |
| US Measles Cases 2025 | Over 2,000 cases reported, highest level since 1992, risking elimination status. | Nationwide |
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