Measles Cases Rise in Western North Carolina Amid Community Spread Concerns
Amid rising concerns of community spread, Western North Carolina has reported an increase in measles cases, with Buncombe County confirming its sixth case since December. This development is part of a broader trend, as the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed a total of 11 cases across the state. Additional cases have emerged in Polk, Rutherford, and Cabarrus counties.
During a recent press conference, Buncombe County health officials disclosed that the latest infection involved a child exposed in the emergency department of Mission Hospital in Asheville. This case marks a shift from previous infections, which were traced back to an outbreak in upstate South Carolina. “We are now seeing community spread because we know we have seen it from one person to another within our county,” stated Buncombe County Public Health Director Ellis Matheson. “Do I think that we are going to get to outbreak status? I do.”
Health authorities stress the importance of contacting medical facilities in advance if measles is suspected, allowing healthcare providers to minimize exposure. Currently, over 130 individuals in Buncombe County have been advised to quarantine due to potential exposure.
Measles, a highly contagious airborne virus, initially presents with symptoms such as a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red or watery eyes. A rash usually follows, beginning on the face and spreading across the body. For more information, visit this resource.
Matheson urged residents to verify their immunity status, emphasizing that the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine remains a reliable preventive measure. The county’s immunization clinic is available to those needing vaccination.
Health officials have pinpointed specific locations linked to the recent Buncombe County case. Individuals present at these sites during the specified times might have been exposed:
Food Lion at 35 Westridge Marketplace in Candler, Tuesday, Jan. 13, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Mission Hospital’s emergency department waiting room in Asheville, Friday, Jan. 16, from 5:15 p.m. to 7:50 p.m., or from 10 p.m. to midnight.
Public health teams are reaching out to those potentially exposed. Anyone who visited these locations during the mentioned times and has not been contacted should call the county’s public health hotline at 828-250-6100 for further guidance.
