Health authorities in North Carolina have issued a public health alert after confirming a measles exposure linked to two locations in Gaston County during the busy holiday season. Officials say an individual who later tested positive for measles passed through the area while contagious on December 26, prompting precautionary guidance for residents and visitors.
According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, in coordination with Gaston County Public Health, the infected person visited Constantine’s Restaurant in Gastonia and later attended the popular Christmas Town USA light display in McAdenville on the same evening. The individual was capable of spreading the virus at the time of both visits.
Public health officials emphasized that this incident is unrelated to a separate measles exposure previously reported at Raleigh-Durham International Airport earlier in December. To protect patient confidentiality, no personal details about the infected individual have been released.
The highest-risk exposure occurred at Constantine’s Restaurant, located on South New Hope Road in Gastonia. Anyone who was inside the restaurant after 8:30 p.m. on December 26 may have been exposed and should watch for symptoms through January 16, 2026. Measles can take up to three weeks to appear after contact with the virus.
The same individual also attended the outdoor Christmas Town USA event between 5:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Health officials assessed the transmission risk at that location as low, noting that the event was outdoors and the person did not enter enclosed spaces.
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can linger in the air or on surfaces for as long as two hours after the infected person has left the area, making public exposure particularly concerning.
Early symptoms typically include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red or watery eyes. Small white spots inside the mouth may develop a few days later, followed by a widespread red rash that usually starts on the face before spreading to the rest of the body. Severe cases can result in complications such as pneumonia or brain inflammation, especially among young children.
Health officials are urging anyone who develops symptoms to stay home and contact their healthcare provider or local health department immediately. Patients are advised to call ahead before visiting any medical facility so staff can take appropriate steps to prevent further spread.
Vaccination remains the most effective defense against measles. Officials strongly recommend that all eligible individuals receive the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Infants aged 6 to 11 months may also be vaccinated if traveling internationally or to regions experiencing active outbreaks.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported more than 2,000 measles cases across the United States in 2025, the highest annual total since routine two-dose vaccination became standard decades ago. North Carolina recorded one confirmed measles case earlier in the year.
Residents unsure of their immunity status can use the state’s online measles immunity assessment tool or consult their healthcare provider for guidance on vaccination options.
British and French forces carried out a coordinated airstrike on an alleged IS weapons site in Syria. For further analysis, please read my upcoming blog post.
British and French forces carried out a coordinated airstrike on an alleged IS weapons site in Syria. For further analysis, please read my upcoming blog post.
