PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has posted findings of a public health investigation to identify the source of exposure for a previously reported rare brain infection case caused by Naegleria fowleri, an amoeba (one-celled living organism) commonly found in warm freshwater.
Topics Related to Public Health
PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Buncombe County Health and Human Services (BCHHS) Division of Public Health and Henderson County Department of Public Health have been informed of a measles case in a resident of another state who traveled through Asheville while infectious. To protect the individual’s privacy, no additional information about this case will be released.
PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed multiple rabies cases in baby goats at a mobile petting zoo located in Iredell County. Several goats at Farm Adventures have tested positive for rabies by the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health and may have been in direct contact with people at events while infectious.
PRESS RELEASE — Public health officials with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services are reporting a case of rare illness caused by Naegleria fowleri, an amoeba (one-celled living organism) commonly found in warm freshwater, in a central NC teen. The patient is critically ill and receiving medical care. To protect the family’s privacy, no further information will be released.
PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is seeking interested residents to join the NC Rare Disease Advisory Council. This Council advises the Governor, NCDHHS and the General Assembly on research, diagnosis, treatment and education relating to rare diseases or conditions.
PRESS RELEASE — As children and teens across North Carolina return to school this month, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reminds families that vaccinations remain an important part of overall health and school success.
STATEMENT — Following the Aug. 10, 2026, Executive Order on childhood vaccines, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reaffirms the importance of vaccines to protect children and encourages parents and caregivers to consult their pediatricians or health care providers. State Health Director and NCDHHS Chief Medical Officer Dr. Larry Greenblatt made the following statement:
PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is investigating the state’s first case of disease associated with West Nile virus in 2026. The case occurred in a resident of Gaston County. Additionally, a West Nile virus-positive blood donor was identified in Mecklenburg County through routine screening. To protect the privacy of these individuals, no further information will be provided at this time.
PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced additional cases of cyclosporiasis in North Carolina, bringing the total to 718 cases and 24 hospitalizations since May 1, 2026. To provide the public with updated information, NCDHHS has launched a new Cyclosporiasis Cases and Outbreaks Dashboard that will be updated on Tuesdays with the latest information.
PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced the formation of the NC Rural Health Transformation Program’s Advisory Committee. This Committee includes more than 40 members representing community organizations, health care providers, elected officials and other partners that will help guide our work in improving access to care in rural North Carolina