A case of measles could have spread to residents of Buncombe County via a sick traveler, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has announced.
According to a news release issued by the department Monday, Aug. 31, a traveler was in the Asheville area while sick with contagious measles. Two exposure locations were noted in the release, including a gas station in Hendersonville and a hotel in Asheville.
The release advised that, based on the possible exposure location, those who may have been exposed should monitor for symptoms until Sept. 15 or Sept. 16. Those exhibiting symptoms should contact their local health department immediately.
Here's everything to know, plus some of the numbers on measles cases and vaccination in North
Carolina and more.
Buncombe County, Henderson County measles cases: Where exposure happened
The N.C. DHHS, Buncombe County Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health and Henderson County Department of Public Health informed the public that a measles case was detected in a resident from another state who traveled through Asheville while infectious. Anyone who was at the following locations may have been exposed to measles:
- Exxon, 1920 Four Seasons Blvd., Hendersonville, on Aug. 25 from 9:30-11:45 a.m. - Monitor for symptoms until Sept. 15, 2026
- Holiday Inn Express, 435 Smokey Park Highway, Asheville, on Aug. 26 from 1-10:30 a.m. - Monitor for symptoms until Sept. 16, 2026
The news release advised anyone who visited the locations and is exhibiting symptoms to contact their local health department immediately and stay at home unless seeking medical care. Additionally, the release stated to call ahead before visiting a doctor or emergency room so steps can be taken to prevent exposure to others.
Visit dph.ncdhhs.gov/programs/measles for further information on measles in N.C.
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 NC. 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 U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 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, other states with 100 or more cases of measles recorded in 2026 so far include:
- South Carolina - 670
- Utah - 526
- Pennsylvania - 371
- Texas - 190
- Virginia - 176
- Florida - 142
- 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.
Is measles 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: Possible measles exposure in Buncombe, Henderson counties. See locations
