With recent reports of measles cases emerging in North Carolina and a large outbreak in South Carolina, we encourage you to take a proactive approach to keeping our school community safe and informed.
Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease that causes respiratory issues, high fever, and a distinctive red rash that starts at the head and spreads down the body. It also severely reduces the body’s immunity to other diseases, an effect that can last for years after contracting the virus. One out of five people who get measles are hospitalized for it, and one in 20 children who get it also contract pneumonia. In severe cases, measles can cause brain damage and even death.
Measles vaccines are widely available and highly effective, and most people have been fully vaccinated by age 6. However, unvaccinated people are at high risk of catching and spreading the virus. To comply with guidance from the Forsyth County Department of Public Health and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, unvaccinated students and staff who are exposed to measles will have to be excluded from school for 21 days following their exposure for the safety of themselves and others.
Please do your part to keep our schools safe:
- Do not send your child to school if they feel sick, especially if they have been exposed to measles. Early symptoms include a runny nose, cough, high fever, and red, watery eyes, with the red rash developing 3-5 days later. The sooner people with measles can begin isolating, the less risk there is of spreading the virus.
- Get vaccinated if you aren’t already. Your primary healthcare provider or some local pharmacies have the vaccine available. The Forsyth County Department of Public Health offers vaccine appointments Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:00 am-5:00 pm, and on Thursdays from 8:00 am-8:00 pm. Please call (336) 703-3324 to schedule an appointment.
- Communicate with your doctor. If you are unsure of you or your child’s measles vaccine status, please talk to your doctor to see if a vaccine dose is recommended. If you suspect you or your child has the measles, call ahead before visiting a doctor’s office or hospital. This helps prevent putting others at risk in waiting rooms.
- Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and avoid sharing food and drinks.
- Stay informed. Keep an eye out for updates from local healthcare authorities about cases in your area and the best preventative practices. You can check the North Carolina Measles Dashboard for the latest information on cases and new exposure locations in our state. Information is updated two days each week on Tuesday and Friday at noon.
As of February 24, there have been 23 cases of measles in 10 counties in North Carolina since December 2025. Some NC areas have been named “areas with community spread,” which means you might catch the measles when visiting these communities. Areas with community spread currently include:
Buncombe County (Asheville)
The Charlotte area, which includes Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, and Union Counties.
Thank you for paying attention to this important health issue. Together, we can keep our school community safe and healthy!