RALEIGH, N.C. (WECT) – The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) announced a new measles case in Rutherford County, bringing the state total to five cases since late December.

NCDHHS said all exposed individuals have been notified.

“No source of exposure was identified for this case, which indicates that there are likely other undetected measles cases in the state,” NCDHHS said.

NCDHHS said thatthe state’s other recent cases were linked to the Spartanburg County, South Carolina, outbreak.

“Vaccination remains our strongest defense,” said Dr. Zack Moore, NCDHHS State Epidemiologist. “We urge anyone not fully vaccinated to take action now.”

NCDHHS recommends measles vaccination for all unvaccinated individuals ages one year and older.

Flu deaths climb

North Carolina recorded 71 flu deaths last year, most in adults 65 and older. Emergency room visits and hospitalizations dropped slightly last week, but officials say the danger remains.

Experts recommend flu shots for at-risk groups.

“We really recommend it for those special populations,” said Dr. Austin Sherman with Novant Health. “If you have those respiratory symptoms or health concerns like asthma or COPD, if you are in the 65 or up group, some of our kids, those tend to be the populations that we worry about a little bit more.”

Symptoms and prevention

Measles symptoms appear 7-21 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, white spots in the mouth, and a red rash starting on the face.

If symptoms develop, contact your health department, limit exposure to others, and call ahead before visiting medical facilities.

Residents can contact health care providers or local health departments for vaccination information. Practice good hygiene by washing hands and sanitizing surfaces.

In 2025, the CDC reported 2,144 measles cases across 45 states. Ninety-three percent were unvaccinated.

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