Possible Measles Exposure Reported at Greensboro Wendy's in March

An out-of-state resident who tested positive for measles stopped at the Wendy's at 2221 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Greensboro on March 13, and Guilford County public health officials are warning anyone who was there between 5 and 10 p.m. that they may have been exposed.

The Guilford County Division of Public Health issued the alert in coordination with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, which confirmed the positive test. No secondary cases have been identified among Guilford County residents, officials said.

The franchise group that owns the Greensboro location completed a deep cleaning and sanitation of the restaurant after learning of the possible exposure, and said it is cooperating with local health officials. No employees have reported symptoms.

Because measles can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area, anyone present during that five-hour window is considered potentially exposed regardless of whether they had direct contact with the traveler. About 90% of unvaccinated people exposed to the virus become infected, and roughly one in five cases results in hospitalization, according to NCDHHS.

Symptoms typically begin seven to 14 days after exposure but can appear as late as 21 days. Early signs include high fever, which may exceed 104 degrees, along with cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. Small white spots known as Koplik spots may appear inside the mouth two to three days after symptoms begin, followed by a red, blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads downward across the body.

Anyone who was at the restaurant during the exposure window should monitor for symptoms and call their healthcare provider or the Guilford County Division of Public Health before seeking in-person care. Calling ahead allows medical staff to take precautions that prevent further spread.

Health officials strongly recommend the MMR vaccine for all unvaccinated individuals 12 months and older, describing it as the most effective protection for vulnerable populations including infants, pregnant individuals and those with weakened immune systems. Immunization appointments are available through GCDPH at its Greensboro clinic at 1100 E. Wendover Avenue and its High Point clinic at 501 E. Green Drive; call 336-641-3245 to schedule.

A separate possible exposure was also reported at the Tot Hill Farm Golf Club Pro Shop in Asheboro on March 12. Health officials in Guilford and Randolph counties have not confirmed whether that incident involves the same traveler.