Chapel Hill Pediatrics Measles update 2/12/2026

There have been reported cases of measles in our area. At this time, it is not considered sustained transmission. NCDHHS and local health departments are not currently recommending early doses of the MMR vaccine for our areas unless someone is travelling to an area with sustained transmission. We will stay up to date with these recommendations and will notify our patients with any changes.

For more information regarding the specific locations, please visit: Specific Locations

Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent Measles infection. The MMR vaccine is highly effective at preventing measles with 2 doses protecting 97% of patients receiving those doses. The first dose of MMR vaccine is given at the 12-month well child visit and the second is given at 4-5yrs of age per AAP recommendations. An early dose of MMR vaccine can be given to infants ages 6-11months in areas of high-prevalence. These infants would still require 2 more doses at 1yr and 4yrs of age. The second dose may be given before age 4yrs as well if more than 4 weeks after the first dose.

If there is a concern about measles exposure, please call the office and schedule an appointment. DO NOT ENTER the office until speaking with our staff. Measles is very contagious by respiratory spread and can remain infectious for up to 2 hours in a room after an infected person has been present. Please call and we will direct you on how to proceed.

Symptoms of measles include the following:

• Fever, malaise, and poor appetite.
• Runny nose, red watery eyes, cough.
• Rash : starts on head/face and spreads down and out. Usually begins 2-4 days after fever begins.

As always, we are happy to speak to families if you have any questions.