Burke County confirms first measles case, lists potential exposure sites

After weeks of the measles virus making its way across the counties from the Charlotte area, Burke County saw its first confirmed case on Monday.

The Burke County Health Department announced that some of the possible exposure locations and times included:

• Friday, Feb. 13, at the Walmart Supercenter at Morganton Heights from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 14, at NY Hibachi Buffet in Hickory from 3-6 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 14, at Bo’s Family Entertainment in Lenoir from 7-11:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, Feb. 17, at UNC Health Blue Ridge’s Valdese ER from 9 p.m. to 3:30 a.m.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR RESIDENTS?

For vaccinated individuals, the risk of infection remains low.

Visitors at any one of these establishments during the possible exposure times should keep an eye out for measles symptoms for 21 days after exposure, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS).

One of the best ways for the body to fend off a virus is by fighting with the illness once to learn the ropes. A measles vaccine acts as a weakened version of the virus, like a lightweight boxer sparring in the ring with prime Mike Tyson.

Full-blown measles, on the other hand, is like Mike Tyson sparring with a Mack truck.

Although the death rate is low — of the 2,281 cases confirmed in the United States in 2025, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 246 hospitalizations and three deaths — the virus can weaken the immune system for weeks or months, possibly paving the way for other diseases to enter with less resistance.

The virus essentially hijacks the cells created to fight diseases, using them to replicate the virus and flood the rest of the body through the immune system pathways.

In 2026, to date, the CDC reported 982 cases in the United States with outbreaks in South Carolina, which progressively crept up and across North Carolina. That’s equivalent to 43% of the reported cases for the entirety of 2025 in only two months.

The NCDHHS said there have been 23 confirmed cases in North Carolina since December 2025, with one case hospitalized.

Although cases are low thus far, Mecklenburg and Buncombe counties returned positive detections in wastewater samples, indicating a presence of the virus in the community. This does not necessarily reflect active viruses or diagnosed patients.

The group most at risk is children.

BURKE COUNTY CHILDREN

Children typically receive their first dose between 12 and 15 months, and their second between 4 and 6 years old.

The separate dosing in children is due to how the child’s body maintains their mother’s antibodies over time. By the time they receive the second dose, their immune system stands on its own and implements the vaccine in force.

According to NCDHHS estimations, Burke County has an overall student vaccination rate of 95.8%. Most Burke County Public Schools maintain a coverage rate of around 97% or higher.

Some schools such as Forest Hill Elementary, Mountain View Elementary, and Salem Elementary see ranging variations in estimated coverage — 93.6%, 90.7%, and 94.4%, respectively, with larger dips in certain grades.

However, smaller private schools, like Christ Classical Academy at 83% coverage and Reflections of Christ Christian Academy at 84%, sit at lower vaccination rates on average.

It’s important to keep in mind that these schools have significantly lower numbers of students, meaning single digit differences can impact the numbers immensely.

HOW TO STAY SAFE

If individuals are not vaccinated, health officials recommend getting the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) shot.

The CDC reports that one dose of the MMR vaccine is 93% effective against measles. A second dose puts the success rate at 97% effective and is recommended to be spaced out at least 28 days following the first for adults.

Adults who were fully vaccinated for measles as a child typically do not need a booster. Individuals born before 1957 are generally considered immune, because measles was widespread before the availability of the vaccine, according to the Burke County Health Department.

Direct any concerns or questions to your primary care provider.

Vaccinated or not, individuals should stay home and call a health care provider if they start exhibiting symptoms.