North Carolina Health Officials Urge Measles Preparedness Amid National Surge

With measles cases climbing across the United States, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is ramping up efforts to keep the state ready for any potential outbreaks. As of March 31, 2025, North Carolina has reported no measles cases this year, but public health leaders are calling on residents, health care providers, and child care centers to stay proactive in protecting vulnerable populations, particularly unvaccinated children.

Nationwide, measles cases jumped from 59 in 2023 to 285 in 2024. By March 27, 2025, 483 confirmed cases had been documented across 20 jurisdictions. Measles, a highly contagious viral illness, spreads through the air when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes, and can linger in the air for up to two hours after they leave. It can also spread via contaminated surfaces and objects, with transmission possible before and after symptoms appear. This puts unvaccinated individuals, especially babies and young children, at serious risk of complications.

Vaccination remains the cornerstone of prevention. NCDHHS emphasizes the importance of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, recommending children receive their first dose between 12 and 15 months and a second dose between 4 and 6 years. Adults unsure of their vaccination status are advised to check with their health care providers. North Carolina’s MMR vaccination rate for kindergartners was 93.8% in the 2023-2024 school year—below the 95% needed to prevent outbreaks. Some counties and schools fall even lower, heightening concerns.

To combat the threat, NCDHHS is taking several steps. The agency is collaborating with local health departments, schools, and child care centers to boost awareness and preparedness. Health care providers have been instructed to watch for symptoms—such as fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash starting on the face—and report suspected cases immediately. The state is also closely tracking measles trends nationwide and globally.

Residents are encouraged to ensure they and their children are vaccinated or immune, recognize symptoms, and act quickly if exposure is suspected by contacting a health care provider without delay. Those planning travel to outbreak areas, domestically or abroad, should inform their doctors in advance.

NCDHHS has issued specific guidance for schools and child care centers, urging them to verify vaccination records for children and staff and prepare for rapid response if cases emerge. The public can access detailed vaccination data for the 2023-2024 school year through the North Carolina Kindergarten Immunization Data Dashboard, while additional resources are available on the NCDHHS measles webpage and the CDC’s measles FAQ and vaccination pages.

As measles continues to challenge public health nationwide, North Carolina aims to stay ahead of the curve through vigilance, vaccination, and community action.