Shocking Measles Outbreak in Rutherford County: Were YOU Exposed at This Church?

GILKEY, N.C. (WBTV) – A recent case of measles has been confirmed in North Carolina, raising alarms within the local community. On January 9, health officials in the Foothills Health District reported that the confirmed case involved a partially vaccinated child. This child potentially exposed others during a church service at Mountain Creek Baptist Church on January 4.

Anyone who attended that service is being urged to monitor for symptoms until January 25. This incident comes shortly after a potential exposure reported at Mission Hospital in Asheville, which is connected to a major measles outbreak in Upstate South Carolina that has already reached 310 confirmed cases as of January 9.

The rapid spread of measles highlights the importance of vaccinations. To aid concerned residents, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has developed a measles immunity checker tool. This tool assists individuals in determining their vaccination status and understanding their risk of infection.

Understanding Measles: A Highly Contagious Virus

Measles is a highly contagious virus transmitted through the air and by person-to-person contact. It can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area, making crowded spaces particularly risky. Complications from measles can be severe, potentially leading to hospitalization or even death. Early symptoms often include:

• High fever, which can exceed 104 degrees
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
• Tiny white spots inside the mouth, known as Koplik Spots, appearing two to three days after symptoms begin
• A red, raised, blotchy rash that typically starts on the face and spreads to the trunk, arms, and legs within three to five days

The recent outbreaks serve as a stark reminder of the significance of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the MMR vaccine is 97% effective against measles and 86% effective against mumps when both doses are administered. The first dose is typically administered between 12 and 15 months of age, with the second dose given between ages 4 and 6. In some cases, earlier doses may be recommended for children traveling internationally.

Even individuals exposed to measles can receive the vaccine to bolster their immunity. It is crucial for communities to prioritize vaccination as a preventive measure against outbreaks, particularly in light of the current situation in neighboring South Carolina.

This ongoing public health concern underscores the importance of community awareness and proactive health measures. As measles cases continue to emerge, vigilant monitoring and vaccination are paramount in protecting public health.