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N.C. (WGHP) — A possible case of measles was reported in Asheville on Sunday afternoon
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and Buncombe County Health and Human Services Division of Public Health confirmed that a resident from another state, infected with measles, stopped at the Asheville Holiday Inn Express while traveling.
Increased coyote activity reported in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office Warns
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Anyone who visited the Holiday Inn Express, located at 435 Smokey Park Highway in Asheville on Thursday from 1 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Friday, may have been exposed to measles and should monitor for symptoms until Sept. 16, health department officials advise
As of last Thursday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 2,887 people from 47 jurisdictions as confirmed measles cases so far this year and 24 cases were identified in North Carolin from December 2025 to February 2026
This is the highest number of measles cases reported in the United States since the second dose of the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, became widely used in the early 1990s. No measles cases have been reported in North Carolina since February
Measles, a respiratory disease, is spread through the air by coughing and sneezing and can be transmitted through contact with secretions from the nose or mouth of an infected person. The virus can live for up to two hours in the air <a href="https://healthylife7.com/air-jordan-12-gym-red-where-to-buy-the-reverse-cherry-classic/” title=”Air Jordan 12 'Gym Red': Where to Buy the Reverse 'Cherry' Classic”>where the infected person was present. Symptoms of measles usually begin seven to 14 days after exposure but can appear up to 21 days after exposure
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The hotel has been fully cooperating with Buncombe County Health and Human Services Division of Public Health to ensure guests and staff are aware of the potential exposure. If symptoms develop, contact your local health department immediately and stay at home unless seeking medical care
Precautions
Health officials request that you call ahead before visiting the doctor or emergency room so steps can be taken to prevent exposure to others
Public health officials recommend all unvaccinated individuals ages 1 and older receive a measles vaccination to protect themselves and those around them. The measles vaccine is also recommended for infants 6-11 months old who will be traveling internationally or to areas with active measles outbreaks
For more information about measles, please visit dph.ncdhhs.gov/measles
Measles symptoms
High fever (may spike to more than 104 degrees)
Runny nose
Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums and roof of the mouth (Koplik Spots) two to three days after symptoms begin
A rash that is red, raised, blotchy; usually starts on face, spreads to trunk, arms and legs three to five days after symptoms begin
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