Potential measles exposure reported at Asheville hotel, NCDHHS says

August 30, 2026 - 17:18

North Carolina health officials have identified a confirmed measles case involving an out-of-state traveler who passed through Asheville in August. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services issued the warning on Tuesday, noting that the individual stayed at a local hotel while potentially infectious.

According to the department, the traveler visited the Asheville area during a specific window in mid-August. Anyone who was at the hotel during that time, especially those who are unvaccinated or have weakened immune systems, may have been exposed. Measles is highly contagious and can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room.

Officials are urging people who were at the location during the exposure period to check their vaccination records and watch for symptoms. Early signs include fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a characteristic rash that typically starts on the face and spreads downward. Symptoms usually appear seven to fourteen days after exposure.

The department did not name the specific hotel but said it is working with local health partners to notify anyone who may have been in close contact. Health leaders stress that the best protection against measles is the MMR vaccine, which is highly effective when given in two doses. Anyone who suspects they may have been exposed should call their doctor before going to a clinic or emergency room to avoid spreading the virus further.