As of 23 January 2026, Measles is circulating in North Carolina in Buncombe County (Asheville), NC and measles vaccine is recommended for travelers there, including a early dose for children 6-11 months.  NC has a measles dashboard and measles education here.

Measles was once considered eliminated in the United States. Now, due to falling immunization rates in the United States, we are facing large outbreaks, mostly affecting unvaccinated people. As of January 2026 the closest large outbreak is in Upstate South Carolina, with 700 cases– updated SC dashboard.

Measles is highly contagious. If someone has measles, up to 90 percent of unvaccinated people nearby will become infected. An unvaccinated person can get measles just by being in a room where a person with measles has been. This can happen even up to 2 hours after that person has left the area. Serious complications of measles include pneumonia and encephalitis (brain inflammation), and even death. Children less than 5 years old are particularly at risk.

The best protection against measles is the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR). MMR vaccine is safe and provides long lasting protection against infection. Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93% effective.

If you child is older than 6 months, make certain they are protected if you are traveling internationally or to a United States outbreak zone (national measles outbreak tracker).  Here are the current recommendations:

U.S. residents older than age 6 months without evidence of immunity who are planning to travel internationally should receive MMR vaccine prior to departure:

• Infants aged 6 through 11 months should receive one dose of MMR vaccine before departure. Infants who receive a dose of MMR vaccine before their first birthday should receive two more doses of MMR vaccine, the first of which should be administered when the child is age 12 through 15 months and the second at least 28 days later.
• Children aged 12 months or older should receive two doses of MMR vaccine, separated by at least 28 days.

Please let us know if you have questions about measles in general, measles and travel, or MMR vaccine. We are always happy to answer any questions.