Measles Alert: Shocking Locations in Wake and Durham Where YOU Could Be at Risk! Don’t Miss This Critical Info!

Shoppers in Wake and Durham counties of North Carolina are being urged to check their vaccination status following reported cases of measles in the area. In a concerning turn of events, individuals infected with the virus visited multiple stores and restaurants in Raleigh and Durham over the past week, creating potential exposure for unsuspecting patrons.

On February 5, an individual known to be carrying measles visited five locations in the Brier Creek area of Raleigh. Just a day later, on February 6, another infected person was reported at three locations in Durham. Furthermore, on February 7, a patient with measles arrived at the emergency room at UNC Health Johnston in Johnston County, marking the first reported case there since 2018.

"It's a little concerning how fast it's spreading,"

said one resident of Wake County. Dr. Bridget Fogelman, a pediatrician at Asheville Children's Medical Center, noted that measles is “one of the most contagious germs we know of,” emphasizing its particular danger to children. State Epidemiologist Zack Moore reiterated this concern, stating,

“We knew it was really a matter of when, not if, we were going to see more measles outbreaks.”

Since December 2022, North Carolina has reported a total of 18 measles cases, with 72% of those cases involving individuals under the age of 18, many of whom were unvaccinated.

Dr. Fogelman highlighted the severity of the situation:

“One out of three children less than 5 years of age will be hospitalized from some complication with measles. Pneumonia can happen in one out of 20 unvaccinated children.”

She emphasized the importance of community vaccination to protect those who cannot be vaccinated, like the youngest children under one year of age.

Locations of Potential Exposure

Wake County Public Health has identified several specific locations where individuals may have been exposed:

• O2 Fitness: 7801 Alexander Promenade Place, present between 1:30 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. on February 5.
• Walgreens: 13301 Strickland Road, visited from 3:30 p.m. to 5:40 p.m. on February 5.
• Everbowl: 7840 Alexander Promenade Place, Suite 125, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. on February 5.
• Harris Teeter: 13210 Strickland Road, visited from 5:00 p.m. to 7:10 p.m. on February 5.
• Harris Teeter: 8345 Creedmoor Road, present between 5:15 p.m. and 7:35 p.m. on February 5.

In Durham, potential exposures occurred at the following locations on February 6:

• Goodwill: 4318 Garrett Road, from 10:20 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Chubby’s Tacos: 4711 Hope Valley Road, between 11:45 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
• Plato’s Closet: 8128 Renaissance Parkway, from 12:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Wake County Public Health Director Rebecca Kaufman expressed particular concern for vulnerable populations:

“We're most concerned about people who are immunocompromised, young children who are not yet old enough to get vaccinated, and pregnant women.”

Measles is known to be highly contagious, spreading through droplets in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has been present. Dr. Cameron Wolfe from Duke University highlighted the effectiveness of the measles vaccine (MMR), which is recommended for anyone over the age of one. He stated,

“Two doses of MMR provides 97% effectiveness in preventing infection. You won’t even get sick.”

The symptoms of measles typically begin seven to 14 days after exposure, which may include a high fever, red watery eyes, and a characteristic rash. Dr. Wohl emphasized that unvaccinated individuals have a 90% chance of contracting the virus if exposed. With the current uptick in cases, health officials are urging the community to verify their vaccination statuses and reach out to local health departments if they have questions or concerns.

As the situation develops, the North Carolina Department of Public Health continues to monitor and report on measles cases, working tirelessly to prevent further spread of this highly contagious disease.