Union County child tests positive for first confirmed measles case

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A school-aged child in Union County, North Carolina has tested positive for measles, marking the county's first confirmed case. The child visited an urgent care facility in Indian Trail, North Carolina on February 3, potentially exposing others to the highly contagious disease.

Why it matters

Measles is a serious and highly contagious respiratory illness that can lead to dangerous complications, especially for unvaccinated individuals. This case highlights the importance of vaccination and prompt reporting of potential exposures to limit the spread of measles in the community.

The details

The confirmed measles case is not linked to the recent outbreak at Shining Light Baptist Academy or a person who visited a QuikTrip gas station in Indian Trail. As of February 6, North Carolina was reporting a total of 17 measles cases since December 2025, with the majority among unvaccinated or unknown vaccination status individuals. Measles symptoms can start 7-21 days after exposure and include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a red, spotty rash.

• The child visited the American Family Care Urgent Care in Indian Trail on Tuesday, February 3 between 5:20 p.m. and 8:15 p.m.
• As of Friday, February 6, North Carolina was reporting a total of 17 measles cases since December 2025, excluding the newly-reported case in Union County.

What’s next

Health officials are urging anyone who visited the American Family Care Urgent Care in Indian Trail on February 3 between 5:20 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. to monitor for measles symptoms and contact their local health department if they develop.