Measles Alert: What You Need to Know

A measles alert has been issued in North Carolina after a person with the disease visited public places. Health officials are urging people who were at Constantine's Restaurant in Gastonia after 8:30 p. m. on Dec. 26, 2025, to stay alert for measles symptoms until Jan. 16, 2026. The same individual also spent time at Christmas Town USA in McAdenville from 5:30 to 8 p. m. on the same day. The good news is that the person did not go inside any buildings, so the chance of spreading measles to others is low. Measles is a serious respiratory illness. It spreads easily when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 2, 065 measles cases across 44 states so far this year.So, how do you know if you have measles? Watch out for these symptoms: - A very high fever, sometimes over 104 degrees. - A cough and runny nose. - Red, watery eyes, also known as conjunctivitis. - Small white spots inside the mouth, called Koplik Spots, which appear a few days after the first symptoms. - A red, raised rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body a few days later. Measles is a big deal, and it's important to take it seriously. If you think you might have been exposed, keep an eye out for these symptoms and talk to a doctor if you notice anything unusual. Staying informed and vigilant is the best way to protect yourself and others.