WAYNE COUNTY, NC – Health officials at UNC Health Wayne say Wayne County has not recorded any measles cases, but they are urging residents to remain vigilant as cases rise in parts of the Carolinas.
Chanda Madar, Director of Infection Prevention at UNC Health Wayne, and Infection Prevention Nurse Brittany Davis spoke during an interview with Jeff Farrow on WGBR about the recent spotlight on measles. While North Carolina has avoided the level of outbreak seen in neighboring South Carolina, officials say preparedness remains a top priority.
“We have not had any measles cases in our community,” Madar said. “Some of the surrounding counties have had one or two cases, but none in Wayne County so far.”
What to Watch For
Health experts say early measles symptoms are known as the “three C’s”:
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Cough
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Coryza (runny nose)
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Conjunctivitis (red, watery eyes)
Those symptoms typically appear before the well-known measles rash and can mimic other illnesses such as allergies, flu or COVID-19.
Because of that overlap, Davis recommends contacting your primary care provider if symptoms develop — especially if you’ve traveled recently or been around someone who is sick.
“If you are fully vaccinated, the chances of you getting measles are slim to none,” she said, noting breakthrough cases are rare and usually involve immunocompromised individuals.
What to Do Before Going to the Hospital
Hospital officials ask anyone who believes they may have been exposed to measles to call ahead before coming in. That step helps protect other patients and staff from potential exposure.
“We do ask that you call us before you come in so that we can take care of you properly and we don’t expose anyone else,” Madar said.
Recovery and Isolation
There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles. Recovery typically involves rest, hydration and staying home until you are no longer contagious. Health officials say isolation is key to preventing spread.
Vaccination Guidance
The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps and rubella) remains the most effective protection.
Under the standard immunization schedule, children receive their first MMR dose between 12 and 15 months of age. However, in counties experiencing outbreaks, the first dose may be administered as early as 6 months old.
Where to Track Cases
Residents can monitor case updates through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services website, which updates its measles map twice weekly. The site also lists potential exposure locations across the state.
Officials emphasize that while Wayne County remains measles-free for now, prevention and awareness are critical.
