The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and Polk County Public Health Division (Health Department) today announced a second measles case in Polk County. To protect the individual’s privacy, no additional information about the case will be released.

Officials are working to identify all potential exposure locations. Any individual that was at the following public locations during the disclosed timeframes could have been exposed to measles and should contact their local Health Department immediately. Polk County Health Department: (828) 894-8271 ext. 6.

· Polk County High School, 1681 NC-108, Columbus, NC 28722 – Monday, 1/12/26; Tuesday, 1/13/26

*Students who have received their complete measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccination series are not considered at high risk and should monitor for symptoms. Students who are considered at risk of contracting measles will be contacted by the Health Department or School directly.

· Food Lion, 250 W Mills St. Unit 5, Columbus, NC 28722 – Monday, 1/12/26, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

· Tryon International Equestrian Center General Store, 25 International Blvd, Mill Spring, NC 28756 – Monday, 1/12, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm; Wednesday, 1/14/26, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Individuals should monitor for measles-like symptoms until 21 days after the potential exposure. People who are immunocompromised, pregnant, or parents of a child too young to be vaccinated should reach out to their health care provider or their local Health Department for further information. If symptoms develop, please stay at home unless seeking medical care and call ahead before visiting the doctor or emergency room so steps can be taken to prevent exposure to others.

Polk County Public Health Division recommends that all unvaccinated individuals aged 12 months and older receive the measles vaccine (MMR) to protect themselves. If you are unsure about your vaccination status, your provider or Polk County Public Health Division may be able to assist you.

Measles is transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours. Symptoms of measles usually begin 7-14 days after exposure but may appear up to 21 days after exposure. They may include fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes, and a red, blotchy rash that typically appears on the face or hairline and spreads downward.

Measles can also cause complications including diarrhea, pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and suppression of the immune system.

For more information about Polk County communicable diseases updates, please visit the Polk County Public Health Page at www.PolkNC.gov/CDU.