Measles Outbreak Hits North Carolina, Exposures Reported in Raleigh and Johnston

Health officials warn of potential measles exposure at multiple locations in Raleigh and a case reported at a Johnston County hospital.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Wake County Public Health officials are warning residents that someone infected with measles visited five locations in Raleigh on February 5 while contagious. Additionally, the Johnston County Health Department reported a case of measles in someone who recently visited the emergency room at UNC Health Johnston in Smithfield. This comes as North Carolina has seen 18 measles cases since December 2025, with most affecting unvaccinated individuals under the age of 17.

Why it matters

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can lead to serious complications, especially in unvaccinated individuals. This outbreak highlights the importance of vaccination and the need for public health vigilance to contain the spread of the disease.

The details

The five Raleigh locations visited by the infected individual on February 5 were: a Walmart Supercenter, a Panera Bread, a Starbucks, a Lowe's Home Improvement store, and a Chick-fil-A restaurant. Officials said anyone who may have visited those locations on the afternoon or evening of February 5 may have been exposed to measles. The Johnston County case was the first identified in that county, and the Johnston County Health Department is working to notify known contacts of the infected individual.

  • On February 5, the infected individual visited five locations in Raleigh while contagious.
  • On February 8, the Johnston County Health Department reported a case of measles in someone who recently visited the emergency room at UNC Health Johnston in Smithfield.

The players

Wake County Public Health

The public health department in Wake County, North Carolina that is warning residents about potential measles exposures.

Johnston County Health Department

The public health department in Johnston County, North Carolina that reported a case of measles in someone who visited a local hospital.

UNC Health Johnston

A hospital in Smithfield, North Carolina that treated a patient with measles.

North Carolina Department of Public Health and Human Services

The state public health agency that is tracking the measles outbreak in North Carolina, which has seen 18 cases since December 2025.

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What they’re saying

“As soon as the patient arrived, our emergency department team quickly masked and moved the patient to... limit exposure.”

— Tom Williams, CEO of UNC Health Johnston

“We are prepared.”

— Tom Williams, CEO of UNC Health Johnston

What’s next

The Johnston County Health Department is reaching out to known contacts of the infected individual to determine if others in the county may have been exposed to measles. Public health officials are urging residents to ensure they are up-to-date on measles vaccinations.

The takeaway

This measles outbreak in North Carolina underscores the continued need for vaccination, especially among young people, to prevent the spread of this highly contagious disease. Public health agencies are working to contain the outbreak and notify potentially exposed individuals.