A confirmed case of measles has been reported in Wake County, North Carolina, after an individual who resides out of state traveled through Terminal 2 of the Raleigh-Durham International Airport while infectious on December 10, 2025. According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and Wake County Public Health, there is no ongoing health risk at the airport. However, public health officials are urging all unvaccinated individuals aged one year and older to receive the measles vaccine for their protection and that of others. Infants aged 6-11 months planning to travel internationally or to areas experiencing outbreaks are also advised to get vaccinated.
Anyone present in Terminal 2 between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m. on December 10 may have been exposed to measles and should monitor themselves for symptoms until January 1. Individuals with concerns are encouraged to contact their local health department. Passengers from flights associated with the infected individual will be contacted by their respective local health departments. Those developing symptoms should remain at home unless seeking medical care and are asked to call ahead before visiting healthcare facilities.
“Measles is a highly contagious disease and it spreads quickly in children and adults who are not vaccinated,” said State Epidemiologist Zack Moore, M.D., MPH. “All North Carolinians should ensure that they and their families are up to date on their MMR vaccine.”
As reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as of December 9, there have been 1,912 confirmed cases of measles across 43 states this year—the highest number since widespread adoption of the second dose of MMR vaccine in the early 1990s. While no North Carolina residents have contracted measles in 2025 so far, a previous case was identified in June involving a child traveling from another country where outbreaks had occurred.
Measles spreads through respiratory droplets released by coughing or sneezing or through direct contact with secretions from an infected person’s nose or mouth. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left an area. Symptoms typically develop within seven to fourteen days after exposure but can appear as late as twenty-one days later.
Severe complications such as pneumonia or encephalitis may occur, especially among young children. In 2024, approximately 95,000 people died globally due to measles—most were unvaccinated children under five years old—but vaccination efforts since 2000 have reduced deaths by nearly ninety percent worldwide.
Vaccination remains the most effective measure against measles infection and its complications; combination MMR vaccines protect against measles, mumps, and rubella for both adults and children over one year old.
“Vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective public health tools available for preventing serious illness and death,” said Rebecca Kaufman, Wake County Public Health Director. “The MMR vaccine is effective, safe and readily available, and we hope these outbreaks will encourage everyone who has not been vaccinated to contact their health care provider to make sure they are up to date.”
Residents can obtain information about vaccination appointments through their healthcare providers or local health departments. Children eligible for the Vaccines for Children program may receive vaccinations from participating providers. NCDHHS also offers an online tool allowing individuals to check if they require additional protection against measles.
For further details about measles prevention in North Carolina: dph.ncdhhs.gov/measles
