Measles Exposure at North Carolina Hospital Highlights Growing Concerns

Mission Hospital faces 'Immediate Jeopardy' designation after delayed response to measles case, raising questions about healthcare workers' ability to identify the virus.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A recent measles exposure at Mission Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina, has brought into sharp focus a growing concern: the increasing risk of encountering measles and a potential decline in healthcare professionals' ability to quickly identify the virus. The incident, which led to the hospital receiving an 'Immediate Jeopardy' designation from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), underscores a broader trend of declining vaccination rates and a potential weakening of public health infrastructure.

Why it matters

The Asheville case highlights a troubling reality: many healthcare workers haven't encountered measles in their careers, making it more difficult to quickly identify and isolate the virus. This comes as the U.S. faces the risk of losing its 'measles elimination status' due to recent outbreaks across multiple states, raising concerns about the resurgence of this highly contagious and potentially deadly disease.

The details

In January, twin brothers arrived at Mission Hospital exhibiting symptoms consistent with a common cold – fever, cough, rash, and pink eye. Despite training on identifying and isolating potential airborne illnesses, hospital staff took over two hours to isolate the children. Further delays meant the patients weren't separated from others for another two hours. It was later determined the boys had measles, exposing at least 26 other individuals within the hospital. Federal investigators found that Mission Hospital lacked a designated area for patients with respiratory symptoms, and patients were separated only by plastic partitions.

  • In January, twin brothers arrived at Mission Hospital exhibiting measles symptoms.
  • The hospital took over two hours to isolate the children.
  • The patients weren't separated from others for another two hours.

The players

Mission Hospital

A hospital in Asheville, North Carolina that faced a measles exposure incident and received an 'Immediate Jeopardy' designation from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

The federal agency that oversees and regulates healthcare facilities, including issuing the 'Immediate Jeopardy' designation to Mission Hospital.

Theresa Flynn

A pediatrician in Raleigh, North Carolina who explained the challenges healthcare workers face in identifying measles symptoms.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The former Health and Human Services Secretary under the Trump administration, who was a longtime anti-vaccine activist and recommended unproven treatments for measles.

Brigette Fogleman

A pediatrician at Asheville Children's Medical Center who stated that healthcare workers do not feel supported or guided by the CDC regarding outbreak response.

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What they’re saying

“There's a word, 'morbilliform' — it means measles-like, and there are lots of viruses that can cause a rash that looks like a measles rash in children.”

— Theresa Flynn, Pediatrician (newsy-today.com)

“We certainly do not feel the support or guidance from the CDC right now.”

— Brigette Fogleman, Pediatrician (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

Health officials in Buncombe County, North Carolina are anticipating further measles cases and are preparing for a potential surge similar to what was seen in South Carolina, where one county reported over 900 cases. Local efforts include public education campaigns and urging families to vaccinate their children.

The takeaway

The measles exposure incident at Mission Hospital in Asheville highlights the growing challenge healthcare workers face in quickly identifying and responding to measles cases, as the virus becomes less common but still poses a serious threat to public health. This underscores the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates and strengthening public health infrastructure to prevent the resurgence of this highly contagious disease.