Measles Outbreak Spreads Across North Carolina

22 cases reported, mostly in unvaccinated children

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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North Carolina health officials have confirmed 22 cases of measles in the state since December, with the outbreak concentrated in the central and western counties. Most of the infected individuals are unvaccinated children, raising concerns about declining immunization rates in the state.

Why it matters

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000. However, the recent surge in cases across North Carolina and other states highlights the risk of outbreaks when vaccination rates drop below the 95% threshold needed to maintain herd immunity.

The details

The measles cases in North Carolina have been linked to potential exposure at several locations in Chapel Hill and Durham, including a Goodwill store, a taco restaurant, and a secondhand clothing shop. Health officials attribute the outbreak to declining vaccination rates, with 71% of the infected individuals either unvaccinated or having an unknown vaccination status.

  • The outbreak began in December 2025 and has continued into 2026.
  • On February 6, 2026, a person with measles visited a Goodwill store in Chapel Hill and other locations in Durham.
  • As of February 12, 2026, there have been 910 measles cases reported across the United States.

The players

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

The state agency responsible for monitoring and responding to the measles outbreak in North Carolina.

Myron Cohen

A professor at the UNC School of Medicine whose research focuses on infectious diseases.

David Weber

The medical director at the UNC Medical Center's Department for Infection Prevention.

Peyton Thompson

The director of the pediatric infectious diseases fellowship program at UNC.

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What they’re saying

“If you have a substantial spread of measles over some reasonable period of time, you lose your elimination status.”

— Myron Cohen, Professor, UNC School of Medicine (dailytarheel.com)

“For measles, you need 95 percent of the population to be immune, otherwise you get outbreaks.”

— David Weber, Medical Director, UNC Medical Center Department for Infection Prevention (dailytarheel.com)

“Some people will quote religion. Some people quote not wanting to put antigens in their children.”

— Peyton Thompson, Director, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program, UNC (dailytarheel.com)

What’s next

Health officials are urging residents, especially unvaccinated children and families, to get vaccinated against measles to help contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.

The takeaway

The measles outbreak in North Carolina underscores the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to protect vulnerable populations and prevent the resurgence of diseases that were once considered eliminated. This case highlights the need for continued public health education and efforts to address vaccine hesitancy.