Potential measles exposure reported at Asheville hotel, NCDHHS says
Sun, August 30, 2026 at 3:37 PM
UpdatedSun, August 30, 2026 at 3:49 PM
FILE – Anna Hicks prepares a measles, mumps and rubella vaccine at the Andrews County Health Department, Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in Andrews, Texas. (AP Photo/Annie Rice, File)
BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) —There was a measles case from an out-of-state person who traveled through Asheville, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced
Buncombe County Health and Human Services was also made aware of this case, and NCDHHS said no additional information will be released about the person who was infectious to protect their privacy
The potentialexposure location and timeframe, according to NCDHHS:
- Holiday Inn Express at 435 Smokey Park Highway in Asheville.
- 1 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Aug. 26, 2026.
The hotel is also cooperating with BCHHS to ensure guests and staff are aware of the potential exposure
Those potentially exposed to measles should monitor for symptoms until Sept. 16, 2026, NCDHHS adds
If symptoms of measles develop, contact yourlocal health department right away and stay home unless you’re seeking medical care. NCDHHS also advises calling ahead before visiting a doctor or emergency room to prevent exposure to others
From Dec. 2025 to Feb. 2026, NCDHHS identified 24 measles cases in North Carolina. Of the 24 cases, 19 involved people 17 and younger, while 67% involved people who were unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status
As of Aug. 27, 2026, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 2,887 confirmed measles cases in people from 47 jurisdictions so far this year, noting that it’s the highest number of measles cases reported in the country since the second dose of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine became widely used in the early 1990s
PREVIOUS REPORTING: 3 BUNCOMBE COUNTY CHILDREN CONTRACT MEASLES AFTER SOUTH CAROLINA VISIT, NCDHHS REPORTS
Public health officials recommend that all the following unvaccinated people receive the MMR vaccine:
- Individuals one year or older.
- Infants 6 months to 11 months old traveling internationally to areas with active measles outbreaks.
NC residents can contact their health care provider or visit their local health department for information on obtaining the vaccine
NCDHHS adds that theMMR vaccine is highly effective at preventing measles. It’s highly contagious, spreading through the air by coughing and sneezing. It can also be spread through secretions from the nose or mouth. NCDHHS says measles symptoms usually begin seven to 14 days after exposure, with some cases appearing up to 21 days later and they may include:
- High fever, which could reach more than 104 degrees
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- 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 the face and spreads to the trunk, arms and legs three to five days after symptoms begin
Click HERE to learn more about the Vaccines for Children program. Click HERE for NCDHHS’ measles immunity checker tool. Click HERE to learn more about measles
