Measles case confirmed in Rutherford County

A new case of measles has been confirmed in Rutherford County, raising North Carolina’s total to five cases since late December, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS).

The case involves a partially vaccinated child, the Rutherford County Health Department said on Friday. Public health staff have completed contact tracing and notified individuals who may have been exposed.

Potential exposure may have occurred during church services at Mountain Creek Baptist Church in Gilkey on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. Anyone who attended services that day is asked to monitor for symptoms through Jan. 25.

Measles is a highly contagious but vaccine-preventable illness. Symptoms typically begin with fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed by a rash. People who are not fully vaccinated are at the highest risk. Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine are required for full protection.

Anyone experiencing symptoms is urged to call ahead before seeking medical care to reduce the risk of further exposure. MMR vaccines are available for adults and children through the Rutherford County Health Department. Residents with questions about possible exposure, symptoms or vaccination status can call 828-287-6100.

Not sure if you’re considered immune to measles? Take the NCDHHS quiz to check your immunity.

The Rutherford County case comes as neighboring South Carolina reports a sharp increase in infections. As of Friday, South Carolina health officials reported 310 measles cases statewide, mostly in Spartanburg County, including 99 new cases since Tuesday.

Western North Carolina cases have been linked to that outbreak. A measles case confirmed in Polk County on Dec. 31 was the first in North Carolina believed to be connected to the South Carolina surge after an unvaccinated child traveled to Spartanburg County. Three additional cases announced Jan. 6 involved siblings in Buncombe County who also traveled to Spartanburg County.

State and local health officials continue to stress that vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles and limit its spread, particularly as cases rise in nearby states.