BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — Burke County confirmed its first measles case Monday, and nurses are doing contact tracing in several Foothills counties after learning the person went to businesses in Hickory, Lenoir and Morganton.
According to a release from county health officials, the sick person visited the Morganton Walmart, NY Hibachi Buffet, Bo’s and UNC Health Blue Ridge in Valdese between Feb. 13 and 17.
Anyone who visited the businesses during those days should monitor for symptoms, including high fever, runny nose and a rash.
The measles vaccine is available at the Burke County Health Department. Nurses say they have mostly administered it to children, but some adults have asked for one as well.
“I made sure all my kids were were vaccinated, and I think all children should be vaccinated,” Alisha Workman told Channel 9’s Dave Faherty. “I also work at a daycare center, and I just think to protect everyone to be honest with you.”
The case in Burke County brings the total number in North Carolina to 23. South Carolina has reported 973 cases of measles since the recent outbreak began in 2025.
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