Burke County Faces Measles Alert After First Case Confirmed

Burke County health officials have confirmed the county’s first case of measles this season, prompting urgent public health measures. The infected individual visited several popular locations over the Valentine’s Day weekend, including retail, dining, and entertainment venues in Morganton, Hickory, Lenoir, and Valdese. Authorities are actively engaging in contact tracing and facilitating MMR vaccinations as they call on residents to be vigilant for symptoms.

Exposure Locations and Precautionary Measures

The patient was at the Walmart Supercenter in Morganton Heights on February 13 from approximately 11:00 to 14:00. Other notable locations include the NY Hibachi Buffet in Hickory on February 14 from 15:00 to 18:00, Bo’s Family Entertainment in Lenoir on the same day from 19:00 to 23:30, and the UNC Health Blue Ridge emergency department in Valdese on February 17 from 21:00 to 03:30. Public health teams are currently reaching out to individuals identified as close contacts to mitigate further exposure.

According to Burke County health officials, symptoms of measles can manifest between 7 and 21 days after exposure. Residents who were at these locations during the specified times are urged to monitor for symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, and a spreading rash. If symptoms develop, individuals are advised to remain at home and contact their healthcare provider or Burke County Public Health before seeking in-person care. This allows medical staff to prepare for potential cases, reducing the risk of spreading the virus.

The Importance of Vaccination

Measles is highly contagious, and recent trends indicate a rise in cases both nationally and regionally. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 2,281 confirmed measles cases in the United States in 2025 and over 1,100 cases as of last Thursday in 2026. Two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine provide approximately 97% effectiveness against measles, making vaccination the most reliable method of protection for both individuals and the wider community. Health officials emphasize that even small groups of under-vaccinated individuals can create conditions for the virus to spread, thereby making vaccination a priority.

Local vaccination data indicates that while overall student vaccination coverage in Burke County is generally strong, disparities exist among different schools. Public health nurses are focusing their outreach efforts on schools where MMR vaccine coverage is lower. Vaccinations are accessible through primary care offices, various pharmacies, and the county clinic. Burke County’s immunization page includes clinic hours and contact details for scheduling vaccinations. Residents with specific inquiries or those wishing to make an appointment can contact Burke County Public Health at 828-764-9150.

By raising awareness and encouraging vaccinations, Burke County officials aim to contain the spread of this highly infectious disease and protect the health of the community.