An unvaccinated child tested positive for measles in Polk
County, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced Wednesday.
NCDHHS said the child visited locations in Spartanburg
County, South Carolina, linked to a large ongoing measles outbreak in upstate
South Carolina.
The child developed symptoms of measles before Christmas and
has since recovered. The state is not releasing any other information about the
child to protect the family’s privacy.
NCDHHS has been in communication with the South Carolina
Department of Public Health since the beginning of their measles response. This
is the second measles case recorded in North Carolina this year and the first
believed to be related to the South Carolina outbreak. North
Carolina’s first measles case this year involved an international traveler
in June.
NCDHHS recommends people 1 year and older receive a measles
vaccination to protect themselves and those around them.
“Getting vaccinated against measles continues to be the most important step we can take to protect ourselves and our loved ones,” said NCDHHS State Epidemiologist Dr. Zack Moore in a news release. “It is important to check with your health care provider to ensure you are current with all your vaccines.”
Related: How
to protect yourself from measles in NC