Measles detected in Mecklenburg County wastewater as cases climb in NC, SC
A highly contagious disease has been detected in Mecklenburg County’s wastewater system as cases climb in the region.
Measles was detected during routine wastewater surveillance in a sample from the Sugar Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Facility, Mecklenburg County Public Health announced Monday.
“No (measles) cases have currently been identified in the county,” the county’s news release said. But they are on the rise in the Carolinas and around the country.
Mecklenburg County Public Health Director Raynard Washington advised the community to make sure they’re up-to-date on their measles vaccination.
“Vaccination remains the best tool we have to prevent illness and protect our community from a large-scale outbreak,” he said in a statement. “... The measles vaccine is safe and highly effective.”
Measles in the Carolinas
While Mecklenburg County hasn’t had a confirmed case of measles since 2024, the health department noted data show the U.S. saw in 2025 the highest number of measles cases nationwide since 1991.
Mecklenburg Public Health previously warned a measles outbreak in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and surrounding counties could spread to Charlotte. That outbreak has led to more than 300 cases across the state line, according to Mecklenburg’s Monday news release.
The health department also noted there have been five recently reported measles cases in North Carolina, in Polk, Buncombe and Rutherford counties.
Measles symptoms
Measles symptoms typically appear seven to 14 days after infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Common initial symptoms include:
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
After two to three days of symptoms, the CDC adds, tiny white spots known as Koplik spots may appear inside the mouth.
The rash associated with measles typically appears three to five days after symptoms set in. The rash usually starts as flat red spots on the face at the hairline and can spread down the body. It may be accompanied by small raised bumps and/or a fever spike to more than 104° Fahrenheit.
Mecklenburg Public Health recommends anyone with measles symptoms seek medical care immediately and call ahead before visiting a doctor’s office, clinic or emergency room “to get instructions to prevent further spread” of the disease.
What to know about measles vaccine
Mecklenburg County’s immunization clinics are offering walk-in measles-mumps-rubella vaccinations amid ongoing measles cases in the region.
The MMR vaccine is also available through many health care providers and pharmacies, and the county is providing vaccines on-site at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools throughout the school year.
Children are recommended to receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, according to Mecklenburg Public Health. The first dose is typically administered between 12 and 15 months old and the second dose 4 to 6 years old.
Those who’ve already received the MMR vaccine don’t need a booster, and those who are unsure of their vaccination status should talk to their doctor, the health department advises.
This story was originally published January 12, 2026 at 12:28 PM.
