Guilford County Public Health Urges Residents to Confirm Measles Vaccination Status

The Guilford County Division of Public Health on Feb. 5 advised residents to confirm that they and their family members are up to date on immunizations as measles cases rise nationwide. The county and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services are reminding clinicians, parents and community organizations that vaccination remains the primary defense against a disease that was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000 but has re-emerged in recent years.

Public health officials point to multiple layers of prevention and outreach. The state has launched text notifications to alert people who may have been near a confirmed measles case: "These text messages will help quickly notify people who may have been near a confirmed measles case and provide timely information on next steps to protect their health and the health of others." State guidance stresses that "Receiving a text message does not mean a person has measles, but it does mean they may have been exposed and should follow the guidance provided." In addition to texts, individuals may be contacted directly by the Guilford County Division of Public Health.

Vaccination effectiveness is clear in the state guidance: "One dose of MMR vaccine is about 93% effective at preventing measles. Two doses are about 97% effective." Officials also underline that "Vaccinations are safe, effective, and remain the best way to prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death from respiratory viral infections and from vaccine-preventable infections like measles." North Carolina requires measles vaccination for child care and school settings, and the state lists additional criteria for presumed immunity, such as people born before 1957.

Clinicians are being reminded to follow federal reporting and surveillance steps laid out in the CDC Health Alert Network notice CDCHAN-00522 (March 7, 2025, 2:00 PM ET). The CDC advisory notes that "Texas and New Mexico have reported 208 confirmed cases associated with this outbreak (198 in Texas and 10 in New Mexico). As a part of this outbreak, two deaths have been reported: one in Texas and one in New Mexico." The advisory also instructs clinicians to "Report measles immediately (within 24 hours) to CDC (measlesreport@cdc.gov) and through the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System (NNDSS). Measles is a nationally notifiable disease." The CDC further asks public health authorities to "Enhance outreach and communications to under-vaccinated communities through trusted messengers."

Clinical guidance emphasizes early care and infection control: measles often begins with cough, runny nose and red eyes and "often leads to a rash and fever above 101 degrees Fahrenheit." If residents suspect measles, they should seek medical care promptly and alert the clinic or emergency room before arrival so staff can protect others. State guidance cautions that "Vitamin A cannot prevent measles. The MMR vaccine is the best way to protect against measles," and that vitamin A should be used only when directed by a health care provider.

Guilford County residents with questions can contact the Division of Public Health via the state Division of Public Health at 65 Moore Drive, Durham, NC 27703, 919-707-5000. Clinicians should use measlesreport@cdc.gov and the NNDSS for immediate case reporting. For families, the immediate takeaway is straightforward: check immunization records, confirm two-dose MMR completion when practical, and follow public health alerts and clinic instructions to limit spread, protect children and support communities with lower vaccination coverage.