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Johnston County health officials have confirmed the first case of measles in the county since 2018. An adult resident tested positive for the highly contagious disease on Wednesday (February 11), triggering immediate public health protocols.
"As soon as the patient arrived, our emergency department team quickly masked and moved the patient to a negative-pressure room to limit exposure," said UNC Health Johnston CEO Tom Williams in a statement to CBS17. "They followed all procedures and protocols."
The Johnston County Public Health Department is working alongside UNC Health Johnston and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to identify and contact individuals who may have been exposed to the virus. Health officials are determining immunity status among potential contacts and discussing preventive measures to limit further spread.
This case comes just one day after neighboring Wake County confirmed a measles case in a person who visited several locations in Raleigh, including two Harris Teeter stores, raising concerns about a potential wider outbreak in the region.
Dr. Marilyn Pearson, Johnston County Public Health Director, emphasized community cooperation in her statement: "The health of our community is our highest priority and we can all work together to stop the spread of measles. Please make sure you and your family members are immune. If you are not, contact your health care provider or the Johnston County Public Health Department to get vaccinated."
Health officials are reminding residents that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective at preventing measles. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services offers a "Check Your Immunity" tool on their website to help residents determine their protection status.
For those seeking additional information, the Johnston County Public Health hotline is available at 919-989-5550.