A child developed measles in Polk County, the second NC case in a year
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- Polk County child contracted measles in December, linked to South Carolina outbreak
- State health officials urge measles vaccination for children aged 1 and older
- DHHS notified possible exposures at Polk Central Elementary and Mercy Urgent Care
NC health officials report a child in Polk County contracted measles late in December, the second detected case in North Carolina during 2025.
The latest case is believed to stem from an ongoing outbreak in upstate South Carolina, which has seen 179 measles cases since July, according to the NC Department of Health and Human Services.
The unvaccinated child developed measles symptoms before Christmas after visiting several locations in Spartanburg County, but the child has since recovered.
DHHS said it will provide no more details about the child due to privacy concerns but advised anyone at Polk Central Elementary in Mill Spring on Dec. 18 or Mercy Urgent Care Foothills in Columbus on Dec. 23 to check their immunization status.
Meanwhile, the state urges measles vaccinations for all children 1 and older. Infectious disease experts around North Carolina have warned that an outbreak similar to South Carolina’s is a matter of time.
“Getting vaccinated against measles continues to be the most important step we can take to protect ourselves and our loved ones,” said Dr. Zack Moore, epidemiologist for DHHS. “It is important to check with your health care provider to ensure you are current with all your vaccines.”
In December, DHHS reported that a person traveling through Raleigh-Durham International Airport had contracted measles, potentially exposing nearby in Terminal 2.
How to recognize measles
Symptoms for measles can show up seven to 21 days after exposure.
They include:
- High fevers
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Red, watery eyes
- White spots on the inner cheeks, gums and roof of mouth
- A red, raised and blotchy rash that starts on the face and progresses down the body
The Centers for Disease Control reported more than 2,000 measles cases in 44 states nationwide as of the end of December.
NC residents can schedule appointments for vaccination with their health care providers or visit their local health departments. For more information, see www.dph.ncdhhs.gov/programs/epidemiology/communicable-disease/measles.