Lincoln County, February 6, 2026
A new case of measles has emerged in Lincoln County, bringing the total to six confirmed cases in the Charlotte region. The affected individual is unvaccinated, prompting health officials to intensify public awareness and vaccination recommendations. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has launched a text alert system to notify those who may have been exposed. As measles cases rise in the state, public health measures are being emphasized, including the importance of the MMR vaccine to prevent further outbreaks.
Charlotte, North Carolina
A new case of measles has been confirmed in Lincoln County, marking the sixth such case in the wider Charlotte region. This latest diagnosis was reported on February 5, 2026, highlighting ongoing public health concerns in the area. The individual affected is unvaccinated.
The recent confirmation in Lincoln County is part of a broader increase in measles activity across North Carolina. The state has recorded 15 confirmed measles cases since late December 2025, impacting six counties. One individual has been hospitalized due to measles in North Carolina. A significant majority, 74%, of those infected in North Carolina had not received the measles vaccine.
Public Health Response and Community Alert
In response to rising cases, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has intensified its public awareness efforts. The state health department has launched a new text alert system to notify individuals who may have been exposed to the virus. NCDHHS strongly recommends that all unvaccinated individuals aged one year and older receive the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine to safeguard themselves and their communities. The department also provides a dashboard that is updated regularly with information on cases and potential exposure locations.
The individual confirmed with measles in Lincoln County visited several public locations while potentially infectious. These locations include the Meating Place Restaurant, Ingles, and the Atrium Health Lincoln Emergency Room. This information is crucial for individuals who may have been in these locations during specific times to monitor for symptoms.
Understanding Measles and Its Spread
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can lead to severe illness and complications. The virus spreads easily through direct person-to-person contact and via airborne transmission. It is capable of remaining active and contagious in the air or on infected surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has been present. An infected individual can transmit the virus from four days before the rash appears until four days after it erupts.
Common symptoms of measles typically emerge 7 to 14 days following exposure. These initial symptoms often include a high fever, which can exceed 104 degrees Fahrenheit, along with a cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis). Approximately two to three days after these initial symptoms, tiny white spots known as Koplik spots may appear inside the mouth. A characteristic red, flat, and blotchy rash typically develops three to five days after the first symptoms, usually starting on the face at the hairline and then spreading downwards to the rest of the body.
There is currently no specific cure for measles; medical care focuses on managing symptoms such as fever, preventing dehydration, and treating any secondary bacterial infections. The most effective way to prevent measles is through vaccination with two doses of the MMR vaccine, which offers strong protection against the disease.
Wider Context: State and National Trends
The increase in North Carolina’s measles cases is reflective of broader trends. Many of the state’s recent cases are linked to a rapidly spreading outbreak in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, where 876 cases have been reported as of February 3, 2026.
Nationally, as of January 29, 2026, a total of 588 confirmed measles cases have been reported across 17 jurisdictions in the United States for the year 2026, including North Carolina. The previous year, 2025, saw 2,267 confirmed measles cases reported nationwide. This resurgence underscores the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent widespread outbreaks, especially for vulnerable populations such as unvaccinated young children and pregnant individuals, who face the highest risk of severe complications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the latest measles case confirmed in the Charlotte region?
A new measles case was confirmed in Lincoln County on February 5, 2026, making it the sixth case in the Charlotte region.
How many measles cases have been reported in North Carolina recently?
North Carolina has reported 15 confirmed measles cases since late December 2025, impacting six counties.
What is the vaccination status of the recently confirmed measles case in Lincoln County?
The recently confirmed measles case in Lincoln County involves an unvaccinated person.
What are the common symptoms of measles?
Common symptoms of measles include a high fever (which may spike to over 104 degrees Fahrenheit), cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Tiny white spots called Koplik spots may appear inside the mouth 2-3 days after symptoms start. A red, flat, spotty rash typically appears 3-5 days after the first symptoms, starting on the face and spreading downwards.
How is measles transmitted?
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that spreads through direct person-to-person contact and via airborne transmission. The virus can remain active and contagious in the air or on infected surfaces for up to two hours.
What is the best protection against measles?
The best protection against measles is vaccination with two doses of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Are there other measles outbreaks in the region?
Many of North Carolina’s recent measles cases are linked to a fast-spreading outbreak in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, where 876 cases have been reported as of February 3, 2026.
What is the national trend for measles cases in 2026?
Nationally, as of January 29, 2026, 588 confirmed measles cases have been reported across 17 jurisdictions in the United States for the year 2026.
Key Features of Measles Outbreak
| Feature | Details | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Latest Confirmed Case | New case in Lincoln County, February 5, 2026. | Charlotte Region (Local) |
| Total Cases in Charlotte Region | Sixth case confirmed. | Charlotte Region (Local) |
| North Carolina Cases (since Dec 2025) | 15 confirmed cases across six counties; one hospitalization. | State-level |
| Vaccination Status of Cases (NC) | 74% of infected individuals unvaccinated. | State-level |
| Key Public Health Measure (NC) | NCDHHS launched a new text alert system for potential exposures. | State-level |
| Measles Contagion | Highly contagious; virus remains active for up to two hours in air/on surfaces. | Nationwide/General |
| Primary Prevention | MMR vaccine (two doses recommended). | Nationwide/General |
| South Carolina Outbreak | 876 cases reported in Spartanburg County as of February 3, 2026. | State-level (South Carolina) |
| National Cases (2026) | 588 confirmed cases across 17 U.S. jurisdictions as of January 29, 2026. | Nationwide |
| National Cases (2025) | 2,267 confirmed cases reported in the United States. | Nationwide |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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