Rowan County Public Health is advising residents to stay informed as measles cases continue to rise across North Carolina. As of February 20, 2026, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has reported 22 measles cases statewide since late December 2025. Several of these cases have occurred in the greater Charlotte Metropolitan region, but no cases have been identified in Rowan County.
The majority of infections are connected to known outbreaks, including a large ongoing outbreak in upstate South Carolina. Most individuals affected have not been vaccinated, especially children.
NCDHHS recommends that all unvaccinated individuals aged one year and older receive the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Additionally, infants aged six to eleven months who live in or frequently visit areas with active measles transmission in the greater Charlotte region should also be vaccinated. “Early vaccination may be appropriate for infants in Rowan County. Families should consult their health care provider to determine whether early vaccination is advisable based on travel, community exposure, or household risk,” according to guidance from local health officials.
Residents who may have been exposed could be contacted by Rowan County Public Health or a member of an NC Public Health Outreach Team through various communication methods such as phone calls, texts, emails, or personal visits. Updates on potential exposure locations will be added to the statewide measles exposure list as new information becomes available.
Testing for measles is not recommended unless symptoms develop following possible exposure. Measles symptoms generally appear seven to twenty-one days after contact and can include high fever (up to 104°F), cough, runny nose, red watery eyes, tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots), and a red blotchy rash starting on the face and spreading downward.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms after potential exposure is advised to “Contact Rowan County Public Health at 704‑216‑8782 or their health care provider immediately,” avoid exposing others, and call ahead before visiting any clinic or emergency department.
Measles is considered one of the most contagious viruses worldwide and spreads through direct person-to-person contact as well as airborne transmission. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours. Complications may include pneumonia, diarrhea, encephalitis (brain swelling), and temporary suppression of the immune system.
To improve access to vaccination, Rowan County Public Health will offer a walk-in MMR vaccination clinic on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The vaccine is also available from local healthcare providers and many retail pharmacies; residents are encouraged to call ahead for availability.
For more information about measles and MMR vaccination options in Rowan County, residents can contact Rowan County Public Health at 704-216-8783 or speak with their healthcare provider.
“Help keep Rowan County healthy. Make sure you and your family are up‑to‑date on the MMR vaccine and encourage friends and neighbors to do the same. Vaccination protects not only you but the entire community,” officials stated.
In other educational news relevant to Rowan County students: Recent data shows that only a small percentage of high school juniors and seniors were considered ready for college based on ACT results during the 2022-23 school year. In science subjects among seniors taking the ACT exam in county school districts, just over twelve percent met college readiness standards while junior students had slightly lower rates at just above ten percent (source). For reading portions of the ACT among seniors nearly twenty-three percent were considered ready while juniors scored about eighteen percent (source). Math readiness was even lower with fewer than nine percent of seniors meeting benchmarks; juniors trailed further behind (source).
For additional questions regarding this press release or public health matters in Rowan County contact Courtney Meece at (704) 216-8818 or Courtney.Meece@rowancountync.gov.
