GREENVILLE, N.C. — A case of measles has been reported in North Carolina for the first time since 2018, with the incident occurring near Charlotte. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the case, highlighting that measles is a highly contagious airborne virus.
Health officials from East Carolina University ECU stressed the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of measles. Dr. Alex Dalzell, a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at ECU Brody School of Medicine, noted that achieving herd immunity requires over 95% of the community to be immunized. Currently, vaccination rates in the county and state are below this threshold, increasing the risk of measles outbreaks.
Measles not only causes immediate symptoms but can also lead to severe complications like pneumonia. To protect children, the recommended vaccination schedule is the first dose at 12-15 months and a second dose at 4-6 years old.