Per communicable disease law, Union County Public Health, in coordination with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), is notifying the community of one confirmed case of measles in Union County. The confirmed case involves a school-aged child who does not attend school in Union County. At this time, this is the only known positive measles case in Union County.

The child associated with this case sought care at American Family Care (AFC) Urgent Care in Indian Trail, where measles testing was collected. As a result, individuals who visited AFC Urgent Care, located at 14001 E. Independence Blvd., Suite C, on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, between 5:20 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. may have been exposed.

Based on the initial investigation, there is no known epidemiological link between this confirmed case and previously reported measles exposures at Shining Light Baptist Academy or the QuikTrip location in Indian Trail. The child’s parent reported no known contact with individuals diagnosed with measles or experiencing similar symptoms, denied travel, and public exposure events were reviewed as part of the investigation. The child associated with this case is outside of the infectious time frame, and no additional isolation measures are currently required for the individual. To protect patient privacy, no additional information will be released.

Union County Public Health is working to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed and is providing guidance based on vaccination status and risk factors. Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can cause serious complications, particularly in young children, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles.

“As measles spreads into our region, we are now seeing confirmed cases locally, which underscores how easily this disease can spread,” said Traci Colley, Public Health Director. "Residents who are up to date on their MMR vaccination are well protected. Based on the most recently available data, this is the first known measles case in Union County in at least 35 years. Public Health remains focused on limiting further transmission and supporting our community with clear guidance and access to vaccination resources.”

Measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes, and can linger for up to two hours. Its symptoms can resemble those of other common viral infections; as a result, public health notifications about potential measles exposure are issued only after laboratory confirmation. Most laboratories take one to three days to confirm measles infection. Union County Public Health shares exposure notifications as soon as laboratory confirmation is received and reviewed in coordination with NCDHHS.

About Measles

Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease that spreads to others when a person with measles coughs or sneezes. The measles virus can live for up to two hours in the airspace where an infected person was present. If other people breathe the contaminated air or touch an object contaminated with respiratory droplets and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth, they can become infected.

Measles spreads so easily that if one person has measles, 9 out of 10 people near them will become infected if they are not immune through vaccination or prior measles illness. Given the risk of community spread, everyone is encouraged to ensure they are up to date on all immunizations, including the MMR vaccine.

Symptoms of Measles

Symptoms usually begin 7 to 14 days after exposure, but can appear up to 21 days after exposure, and may include:

• High fever (may spike to more than 104°F)
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
• Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums, and roof of the mouth 2 to 3 days after symptoms begin
• A rash that is red, raised and blotchy; usually starts on the face, spreads to the trunk, arms and legs, three to five days after symptoms begin

An infected person can spread measles to others starting four days before and continuing for four days after their rash appears.

Vaccination

Measles can be easily prevented with the MMR vaccine. It is important for all individuals aged 12 months and older to get vaccinated. Vaccination can still prevent illness if received within a few days of exposure. It is rare for vaccinated individuals to contract measles.

Union County Public Health offers MMR vaccinations and immunity testing:

• Children up to age 18: Free MMR vaccine, minimal cost for testing.
• Adults: Minimal cost.
• Insurance and Medicaid will be billed when applicable.

Public Health operates a vaccination clinic at Union County Human Services, 2330 Concord Ave., Monroe, that is open to the public during regular operating hours. Vaccines may also be available through pharmacies or health care providers.

If You Think You Have Measles

Because measles is very contagious, if you think you have contracted measles, you should stay home and contact your healthcare provider. People with symptoms of measles should not go to an emergency department or healthcare clinic without calling ahead to get guidance on when and where to go to avoid contact with others.

Measles can cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than 5 years of age.

• About 1 in 5 unvaccinated people in the United States who get measles is hospitalized.
• As many as 1 out of every 20 children with measles gets pneumonia, the most common cause of death from measles in young children.
• About 1 child out of every 1,000 who gets measles will develop encephalitis (swelling of the brain) that can lead to seizures and leave the child deaf or with intellectual disability.
• Nearly 1 to 3 of every 1,000 children who become infected with measles will die from respiratory and neurologic complications.

More information about measles is available on the County website, the NCDHHS website, which includes a measles exposure tracker, and the CDC website.