MENA Newswire, ROCKY MOUNT: Health officials in Nash County issued a public alert after a confirmed measles case was linked to a visit to the UNC Health Nash Emergency Department, warning that people who were in the facility during a specified time window may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus.
Officials said the patient was an unvaccinated child who was evaluated in the emergency department on Tuesday, January 27, between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. The county said the child had recently traveled internationally from a location reporting measles activity. Measles is spread through airborne particles and can linger in the air after an infected person leaves an area.
The county and hospital officials said they are working to identify individuals who may have been exposed during the child’s time in the emergency department. People who were at UNC Health Nash’s emergency department during the January 27 window were advised to review their vaccination status and monitor for symptoms consistent with measles.
Measles typically begins with a high fever along with cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, and can be followed by a rash that often starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Health guidance also notes the possible appearance of Koplik spots, small white lesions that can form inside the mouth. Symptoms commonly develop about one to two weeks after exposure.
Public health guidance for patients and visitors
County health officials urged anyone who develops symptoms to call a healthcare provider before arriving at a clinic or hospital so steps can be taken to reduce the risk of exposing others. Measles can cause severe illness, particularly in young children and people with weakened immune systems, and complications can include pneumonia and inflammation of the brain.
The county emphasized that vaccination remains the primary protection against measles, with the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine widely used to prevent infection. Officials encouraged people who are not up to date on recommended vaccinations to contact healthcare providers or local health services for guidance. Nash County’s health department said it can provide information about vaccination and next steps for those concerned about exposure.
Public officials described the broader community risk as low while the investigation continues, and they framed the advisory as a precaution aimed at reaching anyone who may have been in the emergency department during the exposure period. Measles is considered one of the most contagious viral illnesses, and even limited exposures in healthcare waiting areas can lead to follow-up monitoring of contacts.
What to watch for and where to get help
Health authorities said people who believe they were present at UNC Health Nash’s emergency department on January 27 should pay close attention to early symptoms and avoid public settings if they become ill. They also advised families to keep immunization records accessible and to consult clinicians about appropriate care, especially for infants, pregnant people, and individuals with medical conditions that raise the risk of severe disease.
UNC Health Nash and county officials said they will continue coordinating case investigation steps, including outreach where appropriate, while reinforcing standard infection-control practices in clinical settings. The alert focused on the single emergency department exposure window and reiterated that prompt communication with healthcare providers can help protect patients, staff, and the wider public while health teams track possible contacts.