1st measles case reported in North Carolina since 2018

MECKLENBERG COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced a confirmed case of measles in a child in Mecklenburg County on Monday.

This is the first measles case reported in North Carolina since 2018.

Health officials say the child was likely exposed to measles while traveling out of the country. The parents kept the child at home after returning to North Carolina except for one medical visit, and appropriate precautions were taken to avoid spreading the virus.

NCDHHS’ Division of Public Health is working closely with the Mecklenburg County Health Department to ensure readiness to detect and respond to other possible measles cases or exposures.

Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. You can get measles just by being in a room where a person with measles has been even up to two hours after that person has left.

Measles can cause serious health complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis, especially in children younger than 5 years old.

Measles begins with a fever that lasts for a couple of days followed by a cough, runny nose and pink eye. A rash starts on the face and upper neck, spreads down the back and trunk then extends to the arms and hands as well as the legs and feet.

After about five days, the rash begins to fade.

Individuals should stay at home when sick and should call ahead when possible before seeking medical attention to help prevent the spread of the virus. Providers should contact their local health department as soon as measles is suspected.

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