A measles case has been confirmed in a child from the Greensboro area of North Carolina, prompting local hospitals to increase vigilance for potential cases. The state health department reported that the child visited several public spaces since becoming infected and is encouraging others who were in the area to monitor for symptoms.
According to infectious disease specialists, Dr. David Wohl with UNC Health, it was not unexpected that a case would occur given the highly contagious nature of measles. “Measles is an incredibly infectious virus,” Wohl said. “It can linger in the air and on surfaces.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared measles eliminated from the US in 2000, but new cases are now being reported primarily among individuals traveling from other countries. Dr. Michael Smith, Duke Health Division Chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, attributes recent outbreaks to lower vaccination rates among children, fueled by misinformation about vaccine safety.
“Measles is not really common in the United States,” Smith said. “The MMR vaccine does not cause autism.” He warned parents that not vaccinating their children may increase their risk of getting severely ill from measles.
As of this year, over 1,220 measles cases and three deaths have been reported across the US, with 95% of cases occurring among unvaccinated or unknown vaccination status individuals. Hospitals are urging communication between healthcare providers, urgent cares, pediatric offices, and health departments to identify and slow potential outbreaks.
With more cases expected due to measles’ high contagion rate, public health officials stress the importance of getting vaccinated, especially for those with upcoming travel plans.
Source: https://www.wral.com/lifestyle/health/triangle-hospitals-alert-measles-case-nc-june-2025