The Buncombe County health department reported on Thursday that an adult has been newly diagnosed with measles, raising the county’s total to seven cases this year. This update was shared by Public Health Director Ellis Matheson during a session with the media, where officials emphasized the ongoing efforts in contact tracing and the importance of residents checking their vaccination records.
According to the latest data released on Friday, this recent case in Buncombe County is one of three additional cases detected in North Carolina, bringing the state’s total to 21 since late December. Many of these cases are believed to be connected to a significant outbreak in South Carolina, which has seen 950 cases.
In order to maintain privacy, health officials have not disclosed further details about the individuals involved in these cases.
Exposure Locations
Officials have identified several locations where the public may have been exposed to the virus:
Novant Health GoHealth Urgent Care at 349 New Leicester Highway, Asheville on February 4 from noon to 3:45 p.m. Residents should monitor for symptoms until February 25.
MAHEC Family Health Center – Biltmore at 123 Hendersonville Road, Asheville on February 6 from 2:45 to 7:30 p.m. Symptoms should be watched for until February 27.
Additionally, a non-resident with measles visited multiple locations in Asheville on February 3, including:
- The Inn on Biltmore Estate
- Goodwill Store, 51 Mills Gap Road
- Goodwill Store, 86 South Tunnel Road
The exposure period for these locations extends through February 24. Residents who were present at these venues and have not been contacted are urged to reach out to the North Carolina Public Health Outreach Team at 844-628-7223.
Matheson stressed the importance of vaccinations: “If you haven’t yet, now is absolutely the time to make sure you know your immunity status. And if you need to get an MMR vaccine, now is the time,” she stated.
Measles is a highly transmissible disease that can be prevented through vaccination. The virus is airborne and can remain active in an environment for up to two hours after an infected individual has left. Initial symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and red or watery eyes, often followed by a rash. Health officials recommend that anyone exhibiting symptoms should remain at home and call ahead before visiting any health facility.
