With state’s first measles case in Triad, Randolph County officials provide info, keep tabs on situation

ASHEBORO — Officials with Randolph County Public Health have been involved in efforts to keep tabs on a measles case stemming from nearby counties.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the first case of measles this year in North Carolina last week. A child visiting Forsyth and Guilford counties became ill while traveling to North Carolina from another country where measles outbreaks have been reported.

“We’ve been watching this since there were cases out West,” said Tara Aker, director of Randolph County Public Health. “We knew it would eventually make its way here (to North Carolina).”

Randolph County Public Health has provided several advisories during the past week to point out that measles is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications.

“We’re not trying to create fear,” Aker said. “This is completely preventable. We’ve reiterated the importance to parents to get their kids vaccinated against measles.”

The education aspect also extends to public health officials. In early June, officials from health departments in multiple counties met in Greensboro to discuss the topic. Hospital and school officials were also part of that gathering.

“Measles isn’t something many of us have dealt with,” Aker said. “Health departments have been working together to make sure we have the most up-to-date information.”

As of Monday, there had been no additional measles case reported in the state. As of June 24, there were 1,227 confirmed cases of measles in the United States.

Aker said there was encouraging news based on data provided recently by the state showing that 95% of students in schools in Randolph County had up-to-date immunizations for the past school year.

Based on the first case in North Carolina, locations in Kernersville and Greensboro have been listed as potential places for exposure for those who visited from June 19-21. Those spots include Piedmont Triad International Airport, Greensboro Science Center, Piedmont Triad Farmers Market and Greensboro Aquatic Center along with a McDonalds, Lowes Foods and Sleep Inn in Kernersville and Partee Shack in Greensboro.

“Lots of people go to those locations,” Aker said.

Aker said with summer prime travel season there should be heightened awareness.

With a new school year approaching in less than two months, Aker said the county health department will promote back-to-school campaigns as reminders for parents to have their children current with required immunizations.

According to the North Carolina Division of Public Health, measles is dangerous for babies and children, and in pregnancy. Children who are not vaccinated are at highest risk, according to information from the department.

Symptoms of measles can begin seven to 21 days after being exposed.