Mecklenburg Public Health issues measles exposure notice

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Mecklenburg County Public Health has issued four measles exposure notices connected to a case in another another jurisdiction, bringing the total of sites to eight. Three cases have been confirmed in Mecklenburg.

Mecklenburg County Public Health has issued a measles exposure notice.

The health department notices cover four more sites and times for possible exposure and advises monitoring for symptoms and what to do in the event of contact. The latest exposure locations and times are:

• Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center (1000 Blythe Blvd.) on Feb. 3, 6:30-11:30 p.m. and Feb. 4, 7 p.m.-12 a.m. Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital is not impacted by the exposure

• Chipotle (239 S. Kings Drive) on Feb. 3, 9:50-11:50 p.m.

• Goodwill, 58085 University Point Blvd., on Feb. 4, noon to 3:45 p.m.

• Goodwill, 3710 W. W.T. Harris Blvd., on Feb. 4, 2-4:40 p.m.

The sites weren’t the source of infection and are now safe to visit, according to the health department and are collaborating on the investigation. The exposures are connected to a case outside Mecklenburg County, where three cases have been reported. Eight exposure sites have been reported in the county, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services measles dashboard.

Measles is a viral illness that can have serious health complications and can easily spread. The symptoms of measles include a fever, runny nose, cough, rash and red eyes. Measles is highly contagious and can remain active and infectious in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left a room.

When exposures can’t be identified or contacted through case investigation, Public Health will issue an exposure notice to prevent further spread. If you see symptoms of measles, call your doctor, clinic or emergency department to get instructions to prevent further spread.

All cases and exposure notices are reported on the NCDHHS measles dashboard, which updates Tuesdays and Fridays. 

The MMR vaccine is widely available at healthcare providers and retail pharmacies across Mecklenburg County. The MMR vaccine is offered at the Mecklenburg County Public Health Immunization Clinic located at:

• Northwest Health Department (2845 Beatties Ford Road) 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; Wednesday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

• Southeast Health Department (249 Billingsley Road) 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; Wed. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. 

• Ella B. Scarborough Community Resource Center (430 Stitt Road) 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; Wed. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

• Valerie C. Woodard Community Resource Center (3205 Freedom Drive, Entrance A) Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

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