Wake County Outlines Measles Response Plan for Schools

Health leaders detail preparations in case of measles outbreak in local schools

Mar. 19, 2026 at 1:36am

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Health leaders in Wake County, North Carolina have outlined their preparation and response plan in the event of a measles case finding its way into the local school district. With 24 confirmed measles cases in the state so far this year, mostly in the Charlotte area, Wake County is taking proactive steps to be ready, including increased testing, designated isolation rooms in schools, and coordination between the health department and individual schools.

Why it matters

Measles outbreaks can spread rapidly in school settings, so having a clear response plan in place is crucial to protect students, staff, and the broader community. Wake County's proactive approach aims to quickly identify and contain any potential measles cases to prevent a wider outbreak.

The details

Wake County health officials have asked each school to designate a liaison to work with the health department, and to identify isolation rooms separate from school nurse's offices. All public school students are required to have proof of MMR vaccination, and those without it could be excluded from school until the record is provided. The county is also preparing for an increase in measles testing, which does not necessarily indicate more cases, but is part of the overall preparedness effort.

  • So far this year, there have been 24 confirmed measles cases in North Carolina, mostly in the Charlotte area.
  • About a month ago, there were several measles exposures reported in Wake County, though no confirmed cases.

The players

Rebecca Kaufman

The director of Wake County Public Health.

Wake County Commissioners

Local government officials who met with the Wake County School Board to discuss the measles response plan.

Wake County School Board

The governing body of the Wake County public school district.

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What they’re saying

“We know that our residents are very transient and spend time in neighboring states,”

— Rebecca Kaufman, Director of Wake County Public Health

“In the months, obviously, this will impact schools and community settings, and we'll be working closely with the school health team,”

— Rebecca Kaufman, Director of Wake County Public Health

What’s next

If a student's measles test comes back positive, the state lab will notify the Wake County health department, which will then communicate with the respective school. The health department and school district will continue to closely monitor the situation and coordinate their response efforts.

The takeaway

Wake County's proactive measles response plan, including increased testing, designated isolation rooms, and close collaboration between health officials and schools, demonstrates the importance of preparedness to quickly identify and contain any potential outbreaks in the local community.