ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Buncombe County health officials confirmed three cases of measles in the Asheville area on Tuesday, adding to a growing list of vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks that already include chickenpox and whooping cough.
All three measles cases are in the same household, according to Buncombe County Public Health Director Dr. Ellis Matheson, who spoke during a news conference Tuesday. The county is working with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and Mission Health to identify and notify people who may have been exposed.
Health officials said anyone who visited the Mission Hospital emergency department waiting room at 509 Biltmore Ave. between 2 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. on Jan. 4 may have been exposed to measles.
“Measles is one of our most infectious diseases that’s out there,” Matheson said. “We also know that the vaccine for measles is one of the most effective vaccines that we have.”
Public health officials are urging anyone who may have been exposed to call Buncombe County Public Health at 828-250-6100 to assess their risk and receive guidance from a communicable disease nurse. People are asked not to seek testing unless they develop symptoms, which can include fever and rash.
Those experiencing symptoms are encouraged to call their health care provider or medical facility before arriving to reduce the risk of further exposure.
The measles cases follow a confirmed community outbreak of chickenpox, also known as varicella, in Buncombe County. Since the outbreak began, 89 cases have been reported among county residents. One school remains in outbreak status, with non-immune students and staff excluded from school until Monday, Jan. 12.
In addition, the county is managing a community outbreak of pertussis, or whooping cough, involving two school districts. A total of 25 cases have been identified, though no students or staff are currently excluded from school.
Communicable disease nurses are conducting case investigations and contact tracing for all outbreaks, Matheson said. People identified as close contacts who are not immune may be required to quarantine.
Health officials emphasized the importance of vaccination, noting that high immunization rates are necessary to prevent outbreaks, particularly in schools.
“You need about 90 percent immunity for measles to have optimal protection,” Matheson said. “There are pockets of unvaccinated areas, and we do tend to see outbreaks in those areas.”
Officials also urged residents to stay home if sick, noting that multiple respiratory illnesses — including flu, COVID-19 and RSV — are circulating at high levels across the state.
Buncombe County Public Health said vaccination services are available through its immunization clinic, with appointments and walk-in options offered. The clinic can be reached at 828-250-5090.
“I know things have been very confusing in the media around vaccines, the recommendations. I really encourage people to call their medical provider and speak to their medical provider about their specific situation,” Matheson said. “Vaccines are the most effective means of protection so that there’s no hospitalization or death.”
More information will be released as the investigation continues.
“I am the public health director, but I’m also a nurse who started her career as a communicable disease nurse,” Matheson said. “So, as a public health director and as a nurse and also as a mother, I just really urge people, there is no time like the present to really make sure that people know they are up-to-date on their vaccines, understand their immunity status and are in conversation with their medical providers, and if you are sick to please stay home and contact your medical provider.”