Health officials confirm measles case in Polk County
Published 5:15 pm Wednesday, December 31, 2025
POLK COUNTY—Following recent outbreaks in Spartanburg and Greenville counties, a positive case of measles has been confirmed in Polk County, according to local officials.
On Wednesday, the Polk County Public Health Division confirmed a case of measles at Polk Central Elementary School. Polk County Schools Superintendent Todd Murphy said that because measles is highly contagious, students may have been exposed even if they were not in the affected classroom.
“Students who are not fully vaccinated against measles will be required to quarantine at home for 21 days, and families will receive a formal notice from the Health Department,” Murphy said. “Students who are fully vaccinated do not need to quarantine but should be monitored for symptoms through January 8, 2026.”
Measles symptoms may include fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, and a rash. Officials advise that if a child develops symptoms, the child should be kept at home, and families should contact their healthcare provider or the Polk County Public Health Division before seeking in-person medical care.
According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, the state has recorded 35 measles cases over the past 20 years, including a 2013 outbreak that involved 23 cases. No measles cases were reported in North Carolina between 2019 and 2023. One case was reported in fall 2024, followed by another in June 2025 involving an international traveler visiting the state.
Measles is an acute, highly contagious respiratory viral disease. NCDHHS reports that fewer than 90% of Polk County elementary school students are vaccinated against measles, the most effective way to prevent its spread.
Residents seeking vaccination information or immunization records may contact the Polk County Public Health Division at (828) 894-8271. Additional information is available at polknc.gov/communicablediseaseupdates.