Wake County Public Health has been notified that a person infected with measles visited several public places in Wake County while contagious.
Anyone who visited these locations during the dates and times listed below may have been exposed. People who are not vaccinated or are unsure of their vaccination status should review their records, monitor for symptoms and contact Wake County Public Health for guidance at 919-250-4462.
- O2 Fitness, 7801 Alexander Promenade Place, Raleigh, NC 27617
- Feb. 5, 1:30–5:15 p.m.
- Everbowl, 7840 Alexander Promenade Place, Suite 125, Raleigh, NC 27617
- Feb. 5, 3:30–5:45 p.m.
- Harris Teeter, 13210 Strickland Road, Raleigh, NC 27613
- Feb. 5, 5–7:10 p.m.
- Harris Teeter, 8345 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh, NC 27613
- Feb. 5, 5:15–7:35 p.m.
- Walgreens, 13301 Strickland Road, Raleigh, NC 27613
- Feb. 6, 3:30–5:40 p.m.
Measles is a respiratory disease spread through the air by coughing and sneezing. It can also be transmitted through contact with secretions from the nose or mouth of an infected person. The virus can live for up to two hours in the air where the infected person was present. Symptoms usually begin 7–14 days after exposure but can appear up to 21 days later and may include:
- High fever (may spike to more than 104°F)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums and roof of the mouth (Koplik spots), appearing two to three days after symptoms begin
- A red, raised, blotchy rash that usually starts on the face and spreads to the trunk, arms and legs three to five days after symptoms begin
If symptoms develop, individuals should call ahead before visiting a doctor’s office or emergency department so precautions can be taken to prevent additional exposures.
Measles can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis, especially in young children. Globally, measles killed approximately 95,000 people in 2024, most of whom were unvaccinated children age 5 and under. This represents an 88% decrease since 2000 due to vaccination efforts, meaning vaccines have saved nearly 59 million lives.
Vaccination remains the best way to prevent serious illness, hospitalization and death from measles. The MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine is safe and highly effective. Two doses provide the best protection. Wake County Public Health encourages anyone age 1 or older who is not vaccinated to talk with a healthcare provider about getting immunized.
“Measles spreads easily, but it is also preventable,” said Rebecca Kaufman, Wake County Public Health Director. “The MMR vaccine has been used for decades and is both safe and highly effective. If you or your child is not up to date on vaccinations, now is the time to get protected. Vaccination not only protects you, but also infants, older adults and neighbors who may be more vulnerable to serious complications.”
North Carolina residents can contact their healthcare provider or visit their local health department to learn how to obtain the vaccine and schedule an appointment. Children eligible for the Vaccines for Children program may receive the vaccine from an enrolled provider. The measles immunity checker tool is also available for those unsure whether additional doses are needed.
For more information about measles, visit dph.ncdhhs.gov/measles.
