New Case of Measles in Asheville

As of February 12, 2026, Buncombe County Public Health has confirmed one new case of measles in an adult, bringing the county’s total to seven cases since Jan. 1, 2026. No identifying information about the individual will be released.

Health officials say people may have been exposed to measles at the locations and times listed below.

Positive Case Exposure Locations

• Novant Health—Wed., Feb. 4 between noon–3:45 p.m. Watch for symptoms through Feb. 25.
• GoHealth Urgent Care, 349 New Leicester Hwy, Asheville—Wed., Feb. 4 between noon–3:45 p.m. Watch for symptoms through Feb. 25.
• MAHEC Family Health Center, 123 Hendersonville Road—Fri., Feb. 6 between 2:45–7:30 p.m. Watch for symptoms through Feb. 27.

Additional Exposure Locations

Buncombe County Public Health has also been notified of additional exposure sites connected to a person with measles who is not a Buncombe County resident but visited multiple locations in the area while infectious.

• The Inn on Biltmore Estate, 1 Antler Hill Road—Tue., Feb. 3 between the hours of 9:30–11:30 a.m. and 2–4:40 p.m. Watch for symptoms through Feb. 24.
• Goodwill Store, 51 Mills Gap Road—Tue., Feb. 3 between 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Watch for symptoms through Feb. 24.
• Goodwill Store, 86 South Tunnel Road—Tue., Feb. 3 between 12:45–3:30 p.m. Watch for symptoms through Feb. 24.

Public Health officials are conducting contact tracing to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed. The department continues to monitor for additional measles cases.

Anyone who was at any of the listed locations and has not been contacted should call the NC Public Health Outreach Team at (844) 628 7223 for guidance.

About Measles

Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine preventable disease spread through direct contact and through the air. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves.

Symptoms may include:

• High fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
• Tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots)
• A red, blotchy rash that typically begins on the face and spreads downward

Measles can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain).

Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing infection. Cost should never be a barrier to vaccination; contact your local health department for assistance.

Anyone who develops symptoms should contact their primary care provider immediately and limit contact with others. Call ahead before visiting a clinic or emergency department to help prevent additional exposures.

Ensure children are up to date on all recommended immunizations. If you are unsure about your or your child’s vaccination status, contact your healthcare provider.