Developing story. This article will be updated.
Three cases of measles have been confirmed in Buncombe County, according to Buncombe County Health and Human Services. This follows a measles case reported last week in neighboring Polk County.
In a press release issued Tuesday, county health officials said the cases involve three siblings living in the same household. The family visited Spartanburg County, South Carolina, about one to two weeks before the children became sick. Health officials said Spartanburg County is experiencing a large, ongoing measles outbreak. These are the first confirmed measles cases in Buncombe County in decades.
Buncombe County health officials said people who were in Asheville’s Mission Hospital emergency department waiting room between 2 - 6:30 a.m. Jan. 4 may have been exposed. Public health officials are working with Mission Hospital and the state to identify and contact people who may have been exposed and to determine whether they have immunity to measles.
Officials said laboratory testing is not recommended for people who were exposed unless they develop symptoms, which can include fever and rash. Anyone who believes they may have been exposed during that time frame is asked to call Buncombe County Public Health at 828-250-6100 to speak with a communicable disease nurse.
Health officials are urging residents to review their vaccination status and ensure they are protected against measles. Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine provide strong protection. People born before 1957 are generally considered immune due to likely exposure before a vaccine was available.
Original story
State health officials are tracking a measles case in Polk County, the state’s second confirmed case of the disease in 2025. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), which announced the case on Dec. 31, said the infection involves an unvaccinated child who recently visited locations in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, where a large outbreak is underway. The child developed symptoms before Christmas and has since recovered.
This is the first North Carolina case believed to be connected to the South Carolina outbreak. NCDHHS says the state’s other measles case this year involved an international traveler in June.
Local and state health officials said they moved quickly once measles was suspected. Polk County Public Information Officer Kellie Cannon said the county launched contact-tracing protocols to identify anyone who might have been exposed. People who are up to date on their MMR vaccination did not need to quarantine. Thirteen people are currently in quarantine as a precaution, and Cannon said there are no additional confirmed cases in Polk County at this time.
Measles is a highly contagious virus. It spreads through the air and can linger in a room for up to two hours after an infected person leaves. Symptoms can develop seven to 21 days after exposure and may include high fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes and the telltale rash that spreads across the body.
State epidemiologist Dr. Zack Moore said vaccination remains the most important line of defense.
“Getting vaccinated against measles continues to be the most important step we can take to protect ourselves and our loved ones,” Moore said. “It is important to check with your health care provider to ensure you are current with all your vaccines.”
Polk County health officials said they are working with NCDHHS to share information and monitor the situation. You can find more information about the case and use the state’s measles immunity checker tool at PolkNC.gov/CDU.
