Measles cases confirmed in Mecklenburg County
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Two cases of measles have been confirmed in Mecklenburg County, local public health officials confirmed Thursday night. This comes 10 days after measles was detected in the county's wastewater.
Why it matters: Last year, the U.S. recorded its highest number of measles cases since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000. Cases have continued to surge amid growing vaccine skepticism.
State of play: One case involves an adult who was exposed to measles while traveling. The individual is recovering and isolating at home. Contact tracing for this case is complete, according to the county.
- The second case involves an unvaccinated Mecklenburg County child who is also recovering at home and isolating. The child was exposed to another child from Spartanburg, officials said. The county is still investigating potential exposures related to this case.
Threat level: About 90% of unvaccinated people exposed to measles will become infected, and one in five will be hospitalized, according to the county.
Zoom out: In Spartanburg — roughly 90 minutes southwest of Charlotte, there have been more than 600 reported cases of measles, double their count since 10 days prior.
What they're saying: Local health officials continue to urge residents to get the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella. The county is offering walk-in vaccination services.
- "While we have strong vaccine coverage in the county, we continue to see how fast measles can spread with measles cases increasing in the Carolinas," Kimbelry Scott, Mecklenburg County Public Health interim director, said in a statement.
Between the lines: The county's public health department is undergoing a leadership transition. Public Health Director Raynard Washington recently resigned after being nominated to serve as New Jersey's Department of Health Commissioner.
What's next: County leaders are expected to address the media on Friday.