Cherokee County Health Department

01/16/2026

Will reopen on Tuesday January 16th at 7am

01/15/2026

https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/2026/01/15/additional-measles-cases-north-carolina-ncdhhs-shares-new-measles-dashboard

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced two additional cases of measles in unvaccinated siblings in Buncombe County. This brings the total number of North Carolina measles cases to seven since late December. Both cases are connected to the ongoing...

01/07/2026

Under President Trump’s leadership, common sense, scientific integrity, and accountability have been restored to federal food and health policy.

For decades, the Dietary Guidelines favored corporate interests over common-sense, science-driven advice to improve the health of Americans.

That ends today.

The new Dietary Guidelines call for prioritizing high-quality protein, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains—and avoiding highly processed foods and refined carbohydrates.

https://realfood.gov/

01/07/2026

Additional Children Positive for
Measles in North Carolina

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 6, 2026 Contact: news@dhhs.nc.gov
(919) 855-4840


RALEIGH — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and Buncombe County Health and Human Services (BCHHS) Division of Public Health today announced additional cases of measles in three siblings in Buncombe County. The family had visited Spartanburg County, South Carolina, where there is a large going measles outbreak approximately 1-2 weeks before the children became sick. To protect the family’s privacy, no additional information about these cases will be released.

NCDHHS has been in communication with the South Carolina Department of Public Health since the beginning of their measles response. NCDHHS recommends all unvaccinated individuals ages one year and older receive measles vaccination to protect themselves and those around them.

People who visited the Mission Hospital Emergency Department waiting room, located at 509 Biltmore Ave., Asheville, NC 28801, between 2-6:30 a.m. on Jan. 4, 2026, might have been exposed. NCDHHS is working closely with the BCHHS Division of Public Health and Mission Hospital to identify and contact exposed individuals to determine if they have immunity to measles and to discuss actions that might be needed to lower the risk of further spread.

Laboratory testing is not recommended for people who were exposed unless they develop symptoms of measles, including fever and rash. Symptoms of measles can start seven to 21 days after being exposed. If symptoms develop, please contact your local health department right away, limit exposure to other people, and call ahead before visiting the doctor or emergency room so steps can be taken to prevent exposure to others.

North Carolina residents can contact their health care provider or their local health department for additional information on ways to obtain the vaccine and schedule an appointment. Children eligible for the Vaccines for Children program may receive the vaccine from a provider enrolled in that program. The NCDHHS measles immunity checker tool is also available for those who are unsure whether they might need additional protection.

“People need to be aware that the risk of being exposed to measles is growing,” said Dr. Zack Moore, NCDHHS State Epidemiologist. “Measles can be a very serious disease, so staying up to date on all recommended vaccines by checking with your health care provider is an important step we can all take to protect the health and well-being of our loved ones and our communities.”

Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease that is spread by direct person-to-person contact and through the air. The virus can live for up to two hours in the air where the infected person was present. Symptoms of measles usually begin 7-14 days after exposure, but can appear up to 21 days after exposure and may include:
1. High fever (may spike to more than 104 degrees)
2. Cough
3. Runny nose
4. Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
5. Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums and roof of the mouth (Koplik Spots) two to three days after symptoms begin
6. A rash that is red, raised, blotchy; usually starts on face, spreads to trunk, arms and legs three to five days after symptoms begin
7. Measles can also cause complications including diarrhea, pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and suppression of the immune system.
As of Dec. 30, 2025, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 2,065 people from 44 states as confirmed measles cases this year. This is the highest number of measles cases reported in the U.S. since the second dose of MMR vaccine became widely used in the early 1990s. One other case of measles was identified in a North Carolina resident in 2025.

For more information about measles, please visit dph.ncdhhs.gov/measles.

12/31/2025

Happy New Year! We will reopen Friday January 2nd at 7am.

08/12/2025

The Immunization Branch promotes public health and ensures equitable access to vaccines. Our partners include local governments, school and community leaders, and health care providers.

08/12/2025

08/12/2025

In North Carolina, vaccinations are required to attend school. NC does allow immunization exemptions — but only for valid medical reasons or sincerely held religious beliefs.

State immunization requirements are in place to protect all children from serious, preventable diseases.

Cherokee County currently has a confirmed pertussis (whooping cough) outbreak, and both NC and our neighboring states have recently reported measles cases.

Both illnesses can cause death or permanent disability and can be prevented with immunization.
COVID-19 vaccines are not included in the list of required immunizations.

We strongly urge parents to protect their children by making sure they are fully immunized before school starts.
Call the Cherokee County Health Department today to schedule your child’s immunization appointment: 828-837-7486

08/01/2025

The CDC recommends whooping cough (pertussis) vaccination for everyone.
Whooping cough vaccines are the best way to protect against whooping cough.
Contact your provider today, and make sure you are up to date!

07/25/2025

ATTENTION: CCHD Confirms Pertussis (whooping cough) outbreak- For more information about pertussis or vaccinations, contact us at 828-837-7486 to speak with our communicable disease nurse or immunization coordinator. WKRK WCNG-WCVP Radio Local TV 4