South Raleigh News

Amid a rise in measles cases across the country, Wake County Public Health is encouraging families to ensure they are vaccinated against the disease. The vaccine is touted as the best defense against measles, which is both highly contagious and potentially serious.

Although Wake County has not reported any measles cases since 2016, the increase in cases in various states suggests it could emerge locally if preventive measures are not taken.

"Measles isn’t just a childhood illness—it can be dangerous for people of all ages, especially babies, older adults and those with weakened immune systems," said Wake County Public Health Director Rebecca Kaufman. "Vaccination protects not just you and your family, but also your neighbors and the community."

The disease spreads through the air, capable of infecting up to 90% of nearby individuals who are not immune during events like coughing or sneezing.

Wake County Commissioner Safiyah Jackson emphasized proactive measures: "We don’t want to wait for measles to show up before taking action. The MMR vaccine is the step that offers powerful protection and gives parents peace of mind knowing their children are guarded against this serious, but preventable, illness."

The CDC outlines that measles symptoms can appear 7–14 days after exposure, and the person is contagious before the characteristic rash appears. It is possible to contract measles just by being in a room where an infected person recently was, even up to two hours later.

The MMR vaccine is widely available at doctors' offices, clinics, and pharmacies, many of which offer online scheduling and same-day appointments. Wake County Public Health provides vaccinations at their clinics, appointments for which can be made by calling 919-431-4000. Most health insurance plans, including Medicaid, typically cover the vaccine, often with no out-of-pocket costs.

Those suspecting exposure to measles should contact their healthcare provider before visiting clinics or public spaces and should self-isolate until further instructions are given.

For more details about measles, individuals are encouraged to visit cdc.gov/measles.