Wake and Durham shoppers warned of measles exposure at shopping centers

Health officials issued exposure alerts after people infected with measles visited multiple stores and restaurants in Wake and Durham counties in early February, raising concerns for shoppers and employees who were at those locations during specific time windows.

Durham County health officials said a person with measles visited three Durham locations on Friday, Feb. 6, between 10:20 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. “On Wednesday, health officials warn of a possible measles exposure in Durham. Officials said a person who had measles visited three locations, including Goodwill on Garrett Road, Chubby's Tacos on Hope Valley Road and Plato's Closet on Renaissance Parkway on Friday, Feb. 6, between 10:20 a.m. and 4 p.m.” ABC11 listed the Goodwill address as 4318 Garrett Rd., Durham, NC 27707, and a Facebook post identified Plato’s Closet at 8128 Renaissance Parkway.

Wake County Public Health notices, as published by local outlets, list exposures in Raleigh on Feb. 5 at several businesses and one on Feb. 6. “In Wake County, someone infected with measles visited five locations in Raleigh,” WRAL reported. The locations and times cited by Wake County Public Health and syndicated reports include O2 Fitness, 7801 Alexander Promenade Place, Feb. 5, 1:30–5:15 p.m.; Everbowl, 7840 Alexander Promenade Place, Suite 125, Feb. 5, 3:30–5:45 p.m.; Harris Teeter at 13210 Strickland Road, Feb. 5, 5:00–7:10 p.m.; Harris Teeter at 8345 Creedmoor Road, Feb. 5, 5:15–7:35 p.m.; and Walgreens, 13301 Strickland Road, Feb. 6, 3:30–5:40 p.m. CBS17 additionally named Briar Creek Commons as one of three shopping areas with possible exposures on Feb. 5.

Health officials have not released identifying information about the infected person or persons, and the available reports do not confirm whether the Wake and Durham exposures involved the same individual. Wake County Public Health did not say whether the person is a resident of Wake County or North Carolina, according to released reporting.

State and national context shows measles activity is elevated. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed 733 measles cases as of Feb. 5, 2026. North Carolina has recorded 18 measles cases since December; 16 of those were children and 72 percent were unvaccinated, and one case required hospitalization, state health officials reported.

Officials advised that people who were at the listed locations during the posted times should watch for symptoms through Feb. 27. “People should monitor for these symptoms until Feb. 27: High fever (may spike to more than 104 degrees) Cough Runny nose Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis) Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums and roof of the mouth (Koplik Spots) two to three days after symptoms begin”

For now, Wake and Durham residents who were at the named locations during those windows should monitor their health and contact their health care provider or local public health department if symptoms develop. Local health departments may update exposure locations, timing, or guidance as contact tracing continues; expect possible follow-ups from Wake County Public Health and Durham County officials in the coming days.