Mecklenburg County Public Health officials are cautioning residents about possible measles exposure at two locations. If you visited Vista Auction on Sardis Road between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. on January 29 and 30, or Lidl on Monroe Road from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on January 30, you might have been exposed.
These locations are now safe, as they weren’t the source of the infection. However, it’s wise for visitors during those times to keep an eye out for symptoms. Currently, there are three reported cases of measles in Mecklenburg County. Since December 2025, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has tracked 17 cases statewide, with one person hospitalized.
This recent exposure isn’t linked to local cases but relates to incidents in another area. Health officials are collaborating with various jurisdictions to monitor the situation, especially as measles cases rise in North Carolina.
Interestingly, recent statistics show that about 11% of those infected with measles nationwide this past year have been hospitalized. Measles is a very contagious disease but can be prevented with vaccination. It spreads through direct person-to-person contact and can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left.
Symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure, but they can show up as late as 21 days. Common signs include:
- High fever, possibly exceeding 104 degrees
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Tiny white spots, known as Koplik Spots, inside the mouth two to three days after the fever
- A red, blotchy rash that usually starts on the face and spreads to the trunk and limbs three to five days after the initial symptoms
- Complications from measles may lead to serious conditions such as diarrhea, pneumonia, or encephalitis.
If you experience any symptoms, it’s important to call your healthcare provider ahead of time to avoid spreading the virus to others.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services strongly recommends that all unvaccinated individuals aged one year and older receive the measles vaccine. While the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) isn’t typically advised for children under 12 months, it can be given to younger kids at higher risk.
Staying informed and getting vaccinated are crucial steps in protecting both yourself and those around you from measles. Enhanced public health awareness campaigns aim to educate the community on the importance of vaccinations, particularly in light of increasing cases across the state.
For more information on measles and vaccines, visit the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services here.
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measles, Mecklenburg County, health, Department of Health and Human Services
