Measles Update

NCDHHS has announced a case of measles in an unvaccinated child in Polk County. The child had visited locations in Spartanburg County linked to the ongoing measles outbreak in upstate South Carolina. NCDHHS has been in communication with the South Carolina Department of Public Health since the beginning of their measles response, and is working closely with the Polk County Health and Human Services Agency – Public Health Division to identify locations and times where people might have been exposed to this child while they were infectious for measles. 

NCDHHS recommends all unvaccinated individuals ages one year and older receive measles vaccination to protect themselves and those around them. With increased risk for community spread, parents are especially encouraged to make sure their children are up to date on all their childhood immunizations, including the measles vaccine. The NCDHHS measles immunity checker tool is available for those who are unsure whether they might need additional protection. Contact your healthcare provider or Transylvania Public Health (828-884-3135) for information on receiving a measles vaccine. 

Measles is highly contagious: 90% percent of unvaccinated individuals who are exposed to measles will become infected. It is spread by direct person-to-person contact and through the air. The virus can linger in the air for up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves the area. A person with measles is contagious 4 days before to 4 days after the rash begins, meaning someone can spread measles before they know they are infected. 

Symptoms of measles may include: high fever (may spike to more than 104 degrees); cough; runny nose; red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis); tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums and roof of the mouth (Koplik Spots) 2-3 days after symptoms begin; and a rash that is red, raised, blotchy, usually starting at the hairline and spreading to the trunk, arms and legs 3-5 days after symptoms begin. Symptoms can start 7-21 days after being exposed. If symptoms of measles develop, please limit exposure to other people and call ahead before visiting the doctor or emergency room so steps can be taken to prevent exposure to others.  

This is the second measles case recorded in North Carolina this year and the first believed to be related to the South Carolina outbreak, which included 176 cases as of December 30, 2025. The first North Carolina measles case involved an international traveler in June 2025. Nationwide, the CDC reported a total of 2,065 confirmed measles cases across 44 states for the year, with 24 cases involving international travelers. 88% of confirmed cases (1,820 of 2,065) were associated with one of the 49 outbreaks reported in 2025. 11% of all cases and 20% of young children under age 5 required hospitalization, and 3 cases resulted in death.

For more information about measles, please visit dph.ncdhhs.gov/measles. 

 

Seasonal Immunization Updates

FLU: Flu shots are recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older, including pregnant women. High dose flu shots are recommended for people ages 65 and older. This year’s flu vaccines are all packaged in single-dose syringes and are preservative free. Transylvania Public Health will offer both regular and high-dose flu immunizations by appointment in our offices on the third floor of the Community Services Building; call (828) 884-3135 or CLICK HERE to make an appointment.

COVID: Transylvania Public Health does not have COVID-19 vaccines available for the general public. We only offer COVID-19 vaccines for children who have Medicaid, who have no health insurance, or who have health insurance that does not cover these immunizations. To make an appointment for eligible children, contact us at (828) 884-3135.

RSV: As a safety net provider, Transylvania Public Health only offers RSV for children who have Medicaid or do not have health insurance that covers the immunization. To make an appointment for eligible children, contact us at (828) 884-3135. RSV is recommended for infants younger than 8 months old as well as to babies and young children ages 8-19 months who are immunocompromised or have other high risk for severe illness. RSV is also recommended for pregnant women; older adults (everyone age 75 years or older), ages 50-74 at increased risk, and other people who are at high risk for severe illness. People who are eligible to receive an RSV immunization should be able to get one from their healthcare providers or commercial pharmacies during the RSV season, which is October to March in North Carolina.

 

Ongoing Community Health Assessment Process

Based on community feedback, the top health priorities for our 2024 Community Health Assessment are Mental Health, Substance Use, and Maternal Health. Next steps will be hosting meetings to develop a Community Health Improvement Plan for each of these health priorities. The first planning meeting, focused on Mental Health, was held in April. Planning meetings for Maternal Health will be scheduled in 2026.

These meetings will provide an opportunity for community leaders, providers, and other interested community members to develop a plan for what works to do better, form workgroups to implement selected strategies, and determine metrics that can be used to track progress toward improvement. Community members whose professional or personal interests intersect with the priorities are invited to attend the CHIP meetings to bring their unique perspectives and knowledge.

SUMMER AT THE TOWN POOL WITH FRIENDS ON A HOT SUMMER DAY.

A SPECIAL BIRTHDAY LUNCH FOR ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE CO-WORKERS.

MATCHING TATTOOS WITH YOUR COUSINS, JUST LIKE YOU ALWAYS SAID YOU WOULD.

You might not know it, but memories like these are made possible by Transylvania Public Health. We inspect places like public and private pools, restaurants, hotels and even tattoo parlors to help keep them clean and safe for everyone in Transylvania County to use.

We also keep Transylvania County safe by offering immunizations, screening for health concerns, encouraging good nutrition, and more. Good public health is the backbone of a thriving, healthy community. Transylvania Public Health is already doing a lot to keep you healthy. Get to know us – there’s a lot more we can do for you.

HOURS OF OPERATION

Monday – Thursday
8:30am-12:00pm & 1:00pm-5:00pm

Friday
8:30am-5:00pm (last appt at 4:30pm)

828.884.3135

[email protected]

Communicable Disease FAX: 828.884.4272
(for CD reports, STD reports, bite reports)