Cabarrus County, North Carolina, January 17, 2026
Health officials in North Carolina have confirmed two new cases of measles in siblings from Cabarrus County, raising the state’s total to nine cases since December 2025. The recent exposure occurred at a local emergency department, prompting public health warnings. Mecklenburg County is responding by offering same-day vaccinations as a precaution against potential outbreaks, highlighting the need for increased vaccination rates across communities to curb the spread of this highly contagious disease.
Charlotte, North Carolina
Health officials have confirmed two new cases of measles in school-aged siblings in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, bringing the state’s total confirmed cases to nine since December 2025. The recent diagnoses have prompted public health warnings, as potential exposure occurred at a local emergency department.
Potential Exposure at Emergency Department
The two recently confirmed measles cases in Cabarrus County involve school-aged siblings who do not attend school within the county. Health officials are actively working to contact individuals who may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus at the Atrium Health Harrisburg emergency department. This exposure window was identified between 9:20 p.m. and 3:20 a.m. on Wednesday, January 14.
This development adds to North Carolina’s growing number of measles cases. As of the latest reports, the state has recorded a total of nine confirmed measles cases since December 2025. These cases are distributed across several counties: five in Buncombe County, two in Cabarrus County, one in Polk County, and one in Rutherford County.
In response to increasing concern, Mecklenburg County has announced that it will offer same-day measles vaccinations. This action follows the detection of the measles virus in wastewater earlier this week, although no confirmed cases have yet been reported in Mecklenburg County itself.
Understanding Measles: A Highly Contagious Disease
Measles, also known as rubeola, is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable infectious disease caused by a virus. It spreads with remarkable ease, primarily through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, breathes, or talks. Airborne droplets containing the virus can remain infectious in a room for up to two hours even after the infected individual has left. Transmission can also occur through direct contact with mouth or nasal secretions, or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching one’s mouth, nose, or eyes.
The incubation period for measles, the time from exposure to the first appearance of symptoms, typically ranges from 10 to 12 days. Infected individuals are considered contagious for approximately four days before the characteristic rash appears and for four days afterward.
Recognizing Measles Symptoms
Initial symptoms of measles often resemble a severe cold and typically include a high fever, which can sometimes spike to over 104° Fahrenheit (40° Celsius), a persistent cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis). A distinguishing sign, known as Koplik spots—tiny white spots—may appear inside the mouth about two to three days after the initial symptoms begin.
The hallmark measles rash typically develops three to five days after the onset of the first symptoms. It usually begins as flat, red spots on the face, often at the hairline, before spreading downwards to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet. These spots may sometimes be accompanied by small raised bumps and can merge together as the rash progresses across the body. The fever may also intensify when the rash emerges.
Potential Complications and Prevention
While often associated with childhood, measles can affect people of any age and can lead to serious complications. Common complications include ear infections and diarrhea. More severe, though less frequent, complications can involve pneumonia (a lung infection), and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). In rare instances, measles can be fatal, particularly for young children under five, adults over 20, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
The most effective method of preventing measles and stopping its spread is through vaccination, specifically with the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. Health officials emphasize that one dose of the MMR vaccine is approximately 93% effective at preventing measles, while two doses increase the effectiveness to about 97%. Individuals who are unsure about their vaccination status are encouraged to consult their healthcare provider to discuss available options. Achieving a vaccination rate of over 95% within a community is crucial for establishing herd immunity, which helps protect those who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants too young to receive the vaccine or individuals with compromised immune systems.
Nationwide, 171 confirmed measles cases were reported in the United States in 2026 as of January 13, spanning nine jurisdictions, including North Carolina. This broader context highlights the ongoing importance of vaccination and vigilance against the disease across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions about Measles
- How many measles cases have been confirmed in North Carolina recently?
- North Carolina has confirmed nine measles cases since December 2025.
- Where did the recent measles exposure occur in North Carolina?
- Potential exposure occurred at the Atrium Health Harrisburg emergency department in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, between 9:20 p.m. and 3:20 a.m. on Wednesday, January 14.
- What are the common symptoms of measles?
- Initial symptoms typically include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis). Small white spots, known as Koplik spots, may appear inside the mouth about two to three days after the initial symptoms begin. A red, flat rash usually starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body three to five days after the onset of the first symptoms.
- How is measles transmitted?
- Measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, sneezes, or talks. Airborne droplets can remain in a room for up to two hours. Transmission can also occur through direct contact with mouth or nasal secretions, or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching one’s mouth, nose, or eyes.
- What is the best way to prevent measles?
- The most effective method of preventing measles and stopping its spread is through vaccination, specifically with the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.
- How effective is the measles vaccine?
- One dose of the MMR vaccine is approximately 93% effective at preventing measles, while two doses increase the effectiveness to about 97%.
- What are the potential complications of measles?
- Common complications include ear infections and diarrhea. More severe complications can involve pneumonia and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). In rare instances, measles can be fatal, particularly for young children under five, adults over 20, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
- What is the total number of confirmed measles cases in the United States in 2026?
- Nationwide, 171 confirmed measles cases were reported in the United States in 2026 as of January 13, spanning nine jurisdictions, including North Carolina.
Key Features of Measles
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Contagious Nature | Highly contagious, spreads via airborne droplets and direct contact. Droplets can remain infectious for up to two hours. | Nationwide |
| Incubation Period | Typically 10-12 days from exposure to first symptoms. | Nationwide |
| Infectious Period | Four days before rash onset to four days after. | Nationwide |
| Initial Symptoms | High fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes (conjunctivitis). | Nationwide |
| Distinguishing Sign | Koplik spots (tiny white spots inside mouth) appearing 2-3 days after initial symptoms. | Nationwide |
| Rash Development | Red, flat rash starting on face and spreading downwards, 3-5 days after initial symptoms. | Nationwide |
| Prevention | MMR Vaccination (two doses are 97% effective). | Nationwide |
| Complications | Ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, encephalitis. More severe for specific demographics. | Nationwide |
| North Carolina Cases (since Dec 2025) | 9 confirmed cases (5 Buncombe, 2 Cabarrus, 1 Polk, 1 Rutherford). | State-level |
| Emergency Dept. Exposure | Atrium Health Harrisburg ED, Cabarrus County, Jan 14, 9:20 p.m. – 3:20 a.m. | State-level |
| US Cases (as of Jan 13, 2026) | 171 confirmed cases across 9 jurisdictions, including NC. | Nationwide |
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