Mecklenburg County Public Health has issued a measles exposure notice for several locations across Charlotte, North Carolina, following visits from a person confirmed to have measles who had recently traveled from another jurisdiction. While the exposures are not linked to the three existing cases within Mecklenburg County, public health officials are taking proactive steps to prevent further spread of the highly contagious virus.
The exposure locations and times are as follows:
- Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center (1000 Blythe Blvd.) on , from 6:30 p.m. To 11:30 p.m. And on , from 7 p.m. To midnight. (Note: Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital was not impacted by this exposure.)
- Chipotle (239 S. Kings Drive) on , from 9:50 p.m. To 11:50 p.m.
- Goodwill (5808 University Point Blvd.) on , from noon to 3:45 p.m.
- Goodwill (3710 W. W.T. Harris Blvd.) on , from 2 p.m. To 4:40 p.m.
Individuals who were present at these locations during the specified times are advised to monitor for symptoms of measles. Symptoms typically include a fever, runny nose, cough, rash, and red eyes. Public health officials emphasize the importance of contacting a healthcare provider before visiting a doctor’s office, clinic, or emergency department if symptoms develop, to allow for appropriate precautions to prevent potential spread within healthcare facilities.
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can lead to serious health complications. The virus can remain infectious in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left a room, underscoring the importance of prompt public health response and individual vigilance.
This recent exposure is not connected to the three confirmed measles cases already reported in Mecklenburg County. However, public health officials are actively collaborating with partners in other jurisdictions to investigate and monitor the situation, as measles cases are currently increasing across the Carolinas region. When it is not possible to directly identify or contact all individuals potentially exposed, public health agencies issue exposure notices as a protective measure.
The Mecklenburg County Public Health Department emphasizes that the locations included in the exposure notice are now safe to visit. All four businesses are cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.
The most effective way to protect against measles is vaccination with the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. The MMR vaccine is widely available at healthcare providers and retail pharmacies throughout Mecklenburg County. It is also offered at the Mecklenburg County Public Health Immunization Clinic.
Residents can find updated information on measles cases and exposure notices in Mecklenburg County on the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services measles dashboard, which is updated on Tuesdays and Fridays. The dashboard can be found here.
Public health officials continue to stress the importance of vaccination as a key strategy in preventing the spread of measles and protecting community health. While these exposures are linked to a case originating outside of Mecklenburg County, the situation serves as a reminder of the ongoing risk of measles importation and the need for continued vigilance.
