A child in Mecklenburg County has the first confirmed case of measles in the state since 2018, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced Monday.

The child was likely exposed to measles while traveling out of the country, the state said.

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The state said the parents kept the child at home after returning to North Carolina except for one medical visit. Also, the state said medical personnel took the appropriate precautions to prevent the virus from spreading.

Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

People can get measles just by being in a room where a person with measles has been, even up to two hours after that person has left.

Measles can cause serious health complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis, especially in children younger than 5 years old.

Measles begins with a fever that lasts for a couple of days, followed by a cough, runny nose and pink eye. A rash starts on the face and upper neck, spreads down the back and trunk, then extends to the arms and hands as well as the legs and feet.

After about five days, the rash begins to fade.

People should stay at home when sick, the state advised. Also, the state said people should call ahead when possible before seeking medical attention to help prevent the spread of the virus. Providers should contact their local health department as soon as measles is suspected.

To protect children, yourself and others in the community, it is important to be vaccinated against measles.

Children who are not traveling internationally should receive their first dose of MMR vaccine at age 12 to 15 months and their second dose at 4 to 6 years.

All U.S. residents older than age 6 months without evidence of immunity who are planning to travel internationally should receive MMR vaccine prior to departure.

  • Infants aged 6 through 11 months should receive one dose of MMR vaccine before departure
    • Children aged 12 months or older should receive two doses of MMR vaccine, separated by at least 28 days
      • Teenagers and adults without evidence of measles immunity should receive two doses of MMR vaccine separated by at least 28 days

        "Measles is on the rise globally and in the U.S.," said State Health Director and NCDHHS Chief Medical Officer Dr. Elizabeth Cuervo-Tilson. "Parents, schools, early childhood education providers and health care providers should work to ensure everyone is up to date with their measles vaccinations."

        "Measles infections are preventable. Most Mecklenburg County residents are vaccinated against measles and are not at high risk," said Mecklenburg County Public Health Director Dr. Raynard Washington. "This case further demonstrates the critical need for all families to ensure their kids are up to date with measles and other childhood immunizations."

        The increased number of measles cases in the U.S. this year is reflective of a rise in global measles cases and a growing global threat from the disease.