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Source: https://www.wect.com/2026/02/17/north-carolina-reports-22-measles-cases-since-late-december/
North Carolina reports 22 measles cases since late December
By WECT Staff
Updated: 4 hours ago
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - North Carolina health officials reported 22 measles cases statewide since late December, prompting recommendations for early vaccination of infants in areas with community transmission.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) announced the case count on Tuesday, Feb 17, as infections continue to spread across the state. Most cases have affected unvaccinated children and are linked to known outbreaks, including a large outbreak in upstate South Carolina.
“The rise in measles cases is concerning, especially since most infections are affecting unvaccinated children,” said Dr. Zack Moore, NCDHHS State Epidemiologist. “Measles is highly contagious, but it is also preventable. We strongly encourage parents in areas where there has been community transmission of measles to speak with their health care provider about the option of early vaccination for infants 6 to 11 months old.”
Health officials recommend providers consider early vaccination for infants 6 to 11 months old in areas where measles transmission is occurring. Those areas include Buncombe County and the Charlotte metropolitan area, covering Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan and Union counties.
Some cases in the Charlotte region have not been linked to travel or known cases, indicating local virus spread, officials said...
North Carolina reports 22 measles cases since late December
By WECT Staff
Updated: 4 hours ago
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - North Carolina health officials reported 22 measles cases statewide since late December, prompting recommendations for early vaccination of infants in areas with community transmission.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) announced the case count on Tuesday, Feb 17, as infections continue to spread across the state. Most cases have affected unvaccinated children and are linked to known outbreaks, including a large outbreak in upstate South Carolina.
“The rise in measles cases is concerning, especially since most infections are affecting unvaccinated children,” said Dr. Zack Moore, NCDHHS State Epidemiologist. “Measles is highly contagious, but it is also preventable. We strongly encourage parents in areas where there has been community transmission of measles to speak with their health care provider about the option of early vaccination for infants 6 to 11 months old.”
Health officials recommend providers consider early vaccination for infants 6 to 11 months old in areas where measles transmission is occurring. Those areas include Buncombe County and the Charlotte metropolitan area, covering Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan and Union counties.
Some cases in the Charlotte region have not been linked to travel or known cases, indicating local virus spread, officials said...