As measles cases are increasing nationally, AppHealthCare officials are encouraging residents, community members, and families to take action to prepare should we have potential measles cases or outbreaks locally.

One of the roles of AppHealthCare, the local public health agency for Alleghany, Ash,e and Watauga Counties, is to monitor contagious diseases, like measles, outside of our county borders and take actions like increasing awareness to protect our local community. This is important because contagious infections and diseases don’t always stay confined to one location since we as humans travel and move around which can cause contagious diseases to spread.

“Given the highly contagious nature of measles and the increase in cases nationally, we are encouraging everyone to be aware of the current measles situation broadly and know what actions you can take to protect yourself and your family. These preventive steps will help protect your family should we see local cases of measles. The most important step you can take right now is to check your vaccination status. Two doses of the MMR vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles. Call us or talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about vaccinations,” said Jennifer Greene, Health Director/CEO, AppHealthCare.

Current state of measles

Nationally, as of March 27, 2025, the U.S. has reported 483 measles cases – more than the annual total in 12 of the past 15 years. Of those cases, 70 have been hospitalized and there have been two deaths. The majority of the cases have been among unvaccinated, school-aged children. As of April 3, 2025, no reported cases of measles have been identified in North Carolina.

Outbreaks of measles occur when not enough people are protected, known as herd immunity or community immunity. When vaccination levels drop below 95% for measles, there is a greater risk of a measles outbreak. Measles can spread more easily and broadly in pockets of communities with low vaccination rates, which means that if someone with measles exposes individuals in an under-vaccinated setting in the general population, an outbreak is more likely to occur. For 2023-2024 school-specific vaccine coverage and exemption rates, please visit the North Carolina Kindergarten Immunization Data Dashboard.

What does this mean for you and your family?

• Check your vaccination status. The MMR vaccine is the best way to prevent measles.
• General vaccine recommendations for a community with no measles cases: children should receive the first dose of the vaccine at 12-15 months and the second dose at 4-6 years of age. Adults who have not been vaccinated or are unsure of their status should consult their healthcare provider. Please see the CDC’s measles FAQ and vaccinations page for more information.
• Monitor the measles outbreaks nationally and internationally and if you are traveling to one of the affected areas, make sure you are up-to-date on vaccinations.
• Be aware of measles symptoms including fever; cough; runny nose; red, watery eyes; and a red rash that usually begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.
• If you suspect you or your child may have been exposed to measles or have measles symptoms, call your healthcare provider immediately. Do not visit the doctor’s office or emergency room without notifying them in advance to prevent exposure to others.

What is measles?

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. For one infected person, 9 out of 10 people nearby will become infected with measles if they are not protected.

Measles can lead to very serious complications, like pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain), especially in younger children.

Vaccination is the best protection against measles

The MMR vaccine provides strong, long-lasting protection to prevent measles and the severe complications that can happen as a result of infection. Unvaccinated children are most often at the highest risk of severe complications. When we immunize children, it’s a lot like helping them learn to read. Vaccines are beginner texts that our bodies use to practice comprehending a virus. A literate immune system can keep kids healthy so that they can focus on kid stuff like reading books and playing the sports they love.

• It is recommended that children 12 months to 6 years old receive two doses of the MMR vaccine.
• Older children, adolescents, and adults also need one or two doses of vaccine if they don’t have evidence of immunity.
• People at increased risk may need an additional dose of vaccine. Talk to your healthcare provider about recommendations for your health.

For most people (excluding healthcare providers), you’re considered well-protected and do not need a booster if you:

• Have received two doses of MMR or MMRV
• Were born before 1957 (since measles was widespread then, most people were naturally exposed and are assumed immune)

An exception: If you received the inactivated measles vaccine between 1963 and 1967, you may need a booster since many individuals received a less effective version of the vaccine. If you’re unsure, feel free to reach out to AppHealthCare or check with your healthcare provider.

Adults who have not been vaccinated or are unsure of their vaccine status should consult their health provider.

If you have questions about measles or your vaccination status, contact your healthcare provider or AppHealthCare at (828) 795-1970. For additional information about vaccination, visit the CDC’s website.

For additional information about AppHealthCare or other community resources and health-related data, please call AppHealthCare at (828) 795-1970 or visit www.AppHealthCare.com and follow them on Twitter and Facebook.