North Carolina Sees 15 Measles Cases

Health officials urge vaccinations as outbreak spreads across multiple counties

Feb. 4, 2026 at 11:55am

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The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has reported 15 confirmed measles cases in the state since late December, with one person now hospitalized. The cases have spread across six counties, and 74% of those infected had not been vaccinated against the highly contagious disease.

Why it matters

Measles outbreaks can have serious public health implications, especially for unvaccinated individuals and vulnerable populations. This incident highlights the ongoing need for vaccination efforts to maintain community immunity and prevent the spread of preventable diseases.

The details

Of the 15 measles cases, 14 are in children aged 17 and younger, and one is an adult. Health officials emphasize that measles is still present in the state and vaccination is a crucial step to keep communities healthy, as the virus can live for up to two hours in the air where an infected person was located.

  • The measles cases were first reported in late December 2025.
  • As of February 4, 2026, there are 15 confirmed cases in North Carolina.

The players

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

The state agency responsible for public health oversight and disease monitoring in North Carolina.

Dr. Kelly Kimple

Director of the Division of Public Health at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

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What they’re saying

“Measles is not a disease of the past — it is still present in our state. Staying up to date on vaccinations is a simple but powerful step we can all take to keep our communities healthy.”

— Dr. Kelly Kimple, Director, Division of Public Health (witn.com)

The takeaway

This measles outbreak in North Carolina underscores the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to protect vulnerable populations and prevent the spread of preventable diseases. Health officials are urging residents to ensure they are up to date on their measles vaccinations to help control the current outbreak and safeguard community health.