Measles is back. Here's what you need to know.
North Carolina has 5 confirmed cases, with over 300 across state lines in Spartanburg, SC
The following article appeared in the Jan. 14, 2026, edition of The Charlotte Ledger, an e-newsletter with smart and original local news for Charlotte. We offer free and paid subscription plans. More info here.
As measles cases rise, doctors encourage people to vaccinate and watch for symptoms
by Michelle Crouch
Measles, once considered eliminated in the U.S., is hitting closer to home. North Carolina has confirmed five cases statewide, including one in Gaston County, while more than 300 cases have been reported in Spartanburg, S.C., about 90 miles from Charlotte. And this week, measles was detected in Mecklenburg County wastewater — a sign the virus may be circulating in Charlotte even though no cases have been confirmed.
About 1 in 5 unvaccinated people who get the disease are hospitalized, according to the CDC. Complications include pneumonia and brain swelling that can cause convulsions, deafness or intellectual disability.
Vaccination is by far the best way to protect yourself, said Amina Ahmed, chief medical director of pediatric infectious diseases at Atrium Health Levine Children’s.
You can get the vaccine from your health care provider or by walking into any Mecklenburg County immunization clinic.
Here are four things to know as cases rise:
Measles spreads shockingly easily and starts like the flu: Measles is so highly contagious “that you can actually get it if the person with measles was in the room two hours before you entered,” Ahmed said. Symptoms appear 10 to 14 days after exposure and may include a high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. Small white spots inside the mouth and the characteristic measles rash typically follow 3-5 days after the first symptoms.
Most vaccinated adults don’t need a measles booster: The MMR vaccine prevents measles in most people for life, so most vaccinated adults don’t need a booster, according to the CDC. The main exception is people vaccinated between 1963 and 1967 who may have received an older, ineffective version of the vaccine. However, other people in groups at higher risk — health care workers, international travelers or those with an immunocompromised family member — may also want to talk to their doctor about whether a booster makes sense.
Not sure you’re protected? If you’re unsure of your vaccination status, ask your health care provider to check North Carolina’s vaccination registry. If you grew up elsewhere, most states maintain similar registries. Schools also keep vaccination records. Some people are asking their doctors for a blood test, known as a titer test, to measure antibodies. But health officials don’t recommend the tests for vaccinated adults because a low antibody level doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not protected. If you’re concerned, there is no harm in getting a booster, even if you already had two doses, Ahmed said.
Mecklenburg’s school vaccination rate is below the herd-immunity target: About 91% of elementary students in Mecklenburg County are vaccinated — under the 95% coverage health officials say is needed to keep the disease from spreading. Want to know how your local school fares? North Carolina has published the estimated measles vaccination rate for every elementary school in the state, even broken down by grade level.
Michelle Crouch covers health care. If you have tips or ideas for her, please shoot her an email at mcrouch@northcarolinahealthnews.org.
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