Patients with symptoms should call ahead before visiting a doctor’s office, urgent care or emergency department to help prevent further spread.
GUILFORD COUNTY, N.C. — Health officials are warning that anyone present at a specified location during a recent exposure window may have been exposed to measles, a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air and by direct contact, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
The potential exposure occurred at a Wendy’s restaurant at 2221 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Greensboro on Friday, March 13, between 5 and 10 p.m., according to the Guilford County Division of Public Health.
The department urges those who may have been exposed to monitor for symptoms for up to 21 days and to contact their healthcare provider or the department before seeking in-person care. Patients with symptoms should call ahead before visiting a doctor’s office, urgent care or emergency department to help prevent further spread.
Measles symptoms typically appear seven to 14 days after exposure but can develop as late as 21 days. Early signs include high fever — which may exceed 104 degrees — along with cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. Small white spots, known as Koplik spots, may appear inside the mouth two to three days after symptoms begin. A red, blotchy rash usually follows three to five days after onset, starting on the face before spreading to the rest of the body.
Health officials emphasize that measles can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. About 90% of unvaccinated people exposed to the virus will become infected, and roughly one in five cases results in hospitalization.
The department strongly recommends the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine for all unvaccinated individuals 12 months and older, citing it as the most effective way to prevent infection and protect vulnerable populations, including infants, pregnant individuals and those with weakened immune systems.
“Getting vaccinated against measles continues to be the most important step we can take to protect ourselves and our families,” said Guilford County Public Health Director Courtney McFadden. “It is important to ensure you and your family are current with all your vaccines.”
Parents are encouraged to keep children up to date on recommended immunizations. Residents can contact their healthcare provider or the Guilford County Division of Public Health for more information or to schedule a vaccination appointment.