Lincoln County Reports Measles Case

Lincolnton, NC (WNN) - On Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, Lincoln County Health officials announced that a person who is not vaccinated has tested positive for measles. This is the 16th case in North Carolina since late December.

Officials learned of the confirmed case on Feb. 4. They began working with state health experts immediately to identify the possible exposures and notify anyone who might have come into contact with the infected person.

Where People Could Have Been Exposed 

Health officials say the patient visited three places in Lincolnton where others may have been exposed to measles.

• January 27th,2026- The Meating Place, 114 E. Main St. — 3 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.

The Meating Place in Downtown Lincolnton, NC. February 6th,2026

Lauren Ramsey (WNN)

• January 27th,2026- Ingles, 2130 E. Main St. — 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The ingles in Lincolnton NC, February 6th,2026

Lauren Ramsey (WNN)

• February 2nd, 2026- Atrium Health Lincoln Emergency Department, 433 McAlister Rd. — 10:57 a.m. to 4:17 p.m.

The Atrium Health Lincoln Emergency Department in Lincolnton, N.C.,, February 6th, 2026

Lauren Ramsey (WNN)

Health officials have since made it clear that these businesses are now safe for anyone to visit and do not pose a risk to the public.

Regional Context

Measles has been spreading across the Charlotte area and surrounding regions. So far, North Carolina has reported 15 confirmed cases since the outbreak started. One person is in the hospital, marking the state’s first measles-related hospitalization this year. Officials have not provided information about where the person is hospitalized.

According to state health data, 74% of those infected in North Carolina were either unvaccinated or had an unclear vaccination status. Out of the 15 cases, 14 involve people aged 17 or younger.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services provides a measles dashboard that is updated twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays, to show case numbers and details about exposure locations.

What to Do

Health officials say you should call ahead before going to a healthcare facility if you notice symptoms. Taking this step can stop the virus from spreading to others, including patients and workers.

Those with confirmed measles need to stay isolated. Isolation should start 4 days before the rash appears and continue for 4 days after the rash appears.

More information about measles can be found by clicking here.

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