Possible measles exposure at UNC Nash County Health Department after child tests positive

January 30, 2026 - 07:26

Health officials in Nash County are issuing a public health warning following a confirmed case of measles in a child. The individual visited the UNC Health Nash Emergency Department on Tuesday, leading to concerns of potential exposure for others at the facility.

Anyone who was present at the Nash County Health Department between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. on that Tuesday is advised they may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus. Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and viral particles can remain in a space for up to two hours after they have left.

Symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, followed by a characteristic red rash that spreads from the face downward. Individuals who believe they may have been exposed should review their vaccination status. Those who have not received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine or have never had measles are at highest risk.

Health leaders urge potentially exposed individuals to monitor themselves for symptoms and contact a healthcare provider by phone immediately if symptoms develop, before visiting a facility in person, to prevent further spread. Vaccination remains the most effective protection against the measles virus.