North Carolina reports first case of measles since 2018

According to a press release from the state earlier this week, North Carolina’s first case of Measles since 2018 was reported in Mecklenburg County. 

The afflicted patient was identified only as a child who likely contracted the disease while traveling abroad.  Per the state, the patient was isolated upon reentry into the United States except for a medical visit where proper precautions were taken to reduce the chance of contagion. 

Measles cases have been on the rise in the U.S. in recent years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cases this year as of Sept. 5 sit at 247, more than four times the number of cases reported in 2023. 

The state Department of Health and Human Services recommends parents stay up to date on their children’s measles, mumps and rubella vaccines. 

According to the CDC’s Kindergarten Immunization Dashboard, about 94% of North Carolina children were up to date on their immunizations for the 2022-2023 school year. 

Santiago Ochoa covers healthcare for WFDD in partnership with Report For America. Follow him on X: @santi8a98