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Public Health Confirms Second Measles Case and Identifies Public Exposure Locations
Post Date:02/27/2026 4:12 PM
Per communicable disease law, Union County Public Health, in coordination with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), has confirmed a second case of measles in an unvaccinated Union County child under the age of five. Lab tests confirmed measles on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026.
Prior to the positive confirmation, the child received care at two local health care facilities. Members of the public who visited these facilities at the times noted below may have been exposed.
Novant Child and Adolescent Medical Group
1994 Wellness Blvd. #110, Monroe, NC 28110
Exposure Date & Time: Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, between 8-11 a.m.
Atrium Health Levine Children's Urgent Care - Union
3193 W Highway 74, Monroe NC 28110
Exposure Date & Time: Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, between 8 p.m. and 1:55 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 25
(*Please note: An incorrect urgent care location was initially listed. The correct exposure locations are noted above and were updated at 7 p.m. on Feb. 27, 2026.)
Measles is highly contagious and can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. Individuals who were present at these locations during the listed dates and times should contact Public Health by calling 704-296-4420.
Union County Public Health is coordinating with both health care facilities to identify and directly notify individuals who may have been exposed. Notifications are being prioritized to ensure individuals who may benefit from post-exposure prophylaxis are contacted within the recommended 72-hour window.
Based on the current investigation, the child was not attending school during the infectious period. There is no known epidemiological link between this confirmed case and previously reported measles exposures. Public Health continues to review contacts and exposure information as part of the ongoing response. For updates and more information, visit Union County's measles webpage.
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.