North Carolina Warns of Measles Exposure in Gaston County
Health officials in North Carolina are alerting the public after a person with measles traveled through Gaston County while contagious in late December. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and Gaston County Public Health reported that this individual was in the area on December 26.
Anyone who visited Constantine’s Restaurant in Gastonia after 8:30 PM that night could have been exposed. Those individuals should watch for symptoms until January 16. If symptoms develop, they should stay home and contact their local health department. It’s important to call ahead before visiting a doctor or emergency room to keep others safe.
The infected person also attended Christmas Town USA in McAdenville on the same day but did not enter any indoor places, reducing the risk of spreading the disease.
Health officials strongly recommend the measles vaccine for anyone who is unvaccinated and at least one year old. The vaccine is also important for infants aged six to 11 months who are traveling to areas with measles outbreaks. If you’re unsure about your vaccination status, North Carolina has a measles immunity checker tool that can help.
As of the end of December 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported over 2,000 measles cases across 44 states. This is the highest number seen in the U.S. since the early 1990s when widespread use of the MMR vaccine began. Notably, one measles case was reported in North Carolina in 2025.
Measles is incredibly contagious and spreads through the air from coughing or sneezing. Symptoms, which can appear from seven to 21 days after exposure, include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, and a rash. Serious complications, like pneumonia and encephalitis, can arise, especially in young children.
In 2024, measles claimed the lives of an estimated 95,000 people worldwide, mostly among unvaccinated children under five. However, vaccination efforts have decreased measles-related deaths by nearly 90% since the year 2000.
Vaccination is the best way to prevent measles. For more details about getting vaccinated, residents can reach out to their local health department or healthcare provider.
Staying informed and proactive is key as we continue to combat this preventable disease.
