As measles infections surge across the U.S., North Carolina hospitals are ramping up efforts to prepare for potential outbreaks, particularly in communities with lower vaccination rates.
Hospitals Brace for a Measles Surge
With measles spreading in various parts of the country, North Carolina health officials and hospitals are on alert. Local and state health leaders warn that areas with low immunization rates face the highest risk.
Measles is a highly contagious virus and can lead to serious complications, especially in children under five.
State Labs Test Suspected Cases
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) confirmed that the State Laboratory of Public Health in Raleigh recently tested one suspected case, which came back negative.
“We’ve dodged a bullet so far when it comes to measles,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Zack Moore. “But as the number of cases continues to grow nationwide and around the world, the odds are against us.”
Tracking the Spread
The CDC launched a weekly measles tracking dashboard in February to monitor the growing threat. As of April 25, 2025, 884 cases had been reported across 30 states. Of those, 93% were linked to outbreaks, raising concerns for states like North Carolina.
Hospitals Across the Triangle Take Action
UNC Health, Duke Health, and WakeMed have all reviewed their isolation procedures and are training frontline staff for a potential surge in cases.
“If a patient shows up with symptoms resembling measles, they’ll be asked to wear a mask and placed under airborne isolation,” explained Dr. Anne Nolan, director of Infection Prevention at WakeMed.
Duke Health’s Dr. Tony Moody emphasized the importance of minimizing exposure in emergency departments. “Ideally, we want to keep them out of the ER,” he said, noting that special ventilation rooms are available to prevent virus spread.
Moody stressed the urgency of isolation when dealing with a virus as contagious as measles. “I can’t think of a virus more contagious,” he said. “If five unvaccinated kids are in a room with a measles case, most of them will get it.”
UNC Health’s Dr. David Wohl pointed out that many communities still have low vaccination rates. “The biggest threat is the number of unvaccinated individuals, especially children,” he said. “If we had at least 95% vaccinated, this wouldn’t be an issue.”
According to the CDC, two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective at preventing measles.
How NC Counties Compare
-
Wake County: 92.5% vaccination compliance
-
Durham County: 91.5%
-
Orange County: 96.9%
The state average is 92.3%. For herd immunity, experts recommend at least 95% vaccination.
“This isn’t like COVID where no one had immunity,” Wohl said. “In this case, many are protected, but growing numbers are not because they’re skipping vaccinations.”
Talking to Families About Vaccines
Doctors say addressing vaccine hesitancy starts with open, honest conversations. Moody has shifted his approach when talking with parents.
“I’ve learned to approach these conversations with sensitivity,” he said. “Parents want to do right by their kids, and we have to provide the information they need to make informed choices.”
Wohl added that clear and consistent messaging is critical as case numbers rise in other states. “People respond when the threat feels closer. We need to be sincere, honest, and transparent.”
Wohl stressed the serious consequences of measles. “We know what this virus can do—it’s not mild. Some of the outcomes we’ve seen, especially in Texas, have been devastating.”
Spotting the Symptoms Early
Raising awareness about measles symptoms is essential, doctors say. “It’s hard to diagnose what you’re not thinking about,” Moody noted. “We’re reminding everyone what to look for.”
UNC Health has been conducting internal webinars to train all levels of staff—from ER teams to administrators—on recognizing measles.
Wohl said UNC plans to offer public webinars soon. “It’s about timing—too early, and no one listens; too late, and we’ve missed the chance. We’re aiming to be prepared and alert.”
Nolan added that WakeMed continues to send memos through the health alert network and review infection control protocols with staff. “We coordinate closely with Environmental Health and local health departments,” she said.
Dr. Moody warned that Triangle residents may be at higher risk because many are receiving treatments that weaken their immune systems.
“We’ve got people undergoing cancer treatment or managing autoimmune conditions,” he said. “They’re vulnerable, even if vaccinated. That makes the stakes even higher.”
The experience from COVID-19 has taught hospitals how to be proactive. “We’re thinking ahead this time,” said Wohl. “We don’t want to repeat the early days of 2020. Now we’re applying what we wish we knew back then to threats like measles or bird flu.”
UNC, Duke, and WakeMed say they’re not currently planning dedicated measles wards, but they have protocols ready if case numbers spike.
