An outbreak of measleshas been announced in Pennsylvania, with 25 new positive cases confirmed since Sept. 18.
Nationwide, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that measles cases have increased significantly over the past several years, by hundreds of cases in some cases, including those of Pennsylvania and Utah.
As previously reported by the Citizen Times, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced Aug. 31 that a case of measles could have spread to residents of Buncombe County via a sick traveler.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health continues to provide up-to-date information on measles cases, hospitalizations and deaths on its measles dashboard at pa.gov/measles. Here's what we know about the
outbreak so far, plus information on NC's cases and more.
Pennsylvania measles outbreak: What we know
The Pennsylvania Department of Health announced an outbreak of measles in the state on Sept. 21. The notice confirmed 792 measles cases across 39 counties in the state so far this year, including 25 new positive cases since Sept. 18, 2026.
Latest measles exposure in Buncombe County
The latest measles news in Buncombe County happened in August due to a sick traveler, with possible exposure locations including:
- Exxon, 1920 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, on Aug. 25 from 9:30-11:45 a.m. - Monitor for symptoms until Sept. 15
- Holiday Inn Express, 435 Smokey Park Highway, Asheville, on Aug. 26 from 1-10:30 a.m. - Monitor for symptoms until Sept. 16
Is there measles in North Carolina? How many measles cases are there in NC?
The N.C. DHHS says 24 measles cases were identified in the state between December 2025 and February 2026. This includes 17 cases in patients under 18 and five in patients over 18. Of these patients, 68% were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status.
These numbers do not include measles cases reported in travelers to North Carolina. No further measles cases have been reported in the state since February.
How many people are vaccinated against measles in North Carolina?
According to the CDC, roughly 93.7% of N.C. kindergarteners were vaccinated for the 2025-2026 school year. This is down slightly from 94.2% in the 2024-2025 school year.
Which states have the most measles cases?
According to CDC data updated Sept. 18, states with 100 or more cases of measles recorded in 2026 so far include:
- Pennsylvania - 745
- South Carolina - 670
- Utah - 527
- Texas - 192
- Virginia - 178
- Wisconsin - 158
- Florida - 147
- Ohio - 124
- Arizona - 110
What are the symptoms of measles? What does a measles rash look like?
Symptoms of measles usually begin 7-14 days after exposure, but can appear up to 21 days later. Measles symptoms may include:
- High fever, potentially exceeding 104 degrees
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums, and roof of the mouth appear two to three days after symptoms begin
- A rash that is red, raised, and blotchy, usually starting on the face and spreading to the trunk, arms, and legs, three to five days after symptoms begin
Can measles be deadly?
Harvard Health explains that complications of measles are most common among children under the age of five, adults over the age of 20, pregnant women, and people with impaired immune systems.
Measles is fatal in up to three out of 1,000 cases. In 2025, the CDC reported that three people died in the U.S. of measles among the 1,912 cases reported.
How does measles spread?
The state health department website states that the measles virus lives in the nose and throat. It spreads when someone with measles talks, sneezes, or coughs, releasing tiny droplets containing the virus into the air. Droplets can remain airborne and contaminate surfaces for up to two hours.
Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: What to know about measles in NC with Pennsylvania outbreak announced
