Topics Related to Public Health

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and Buncombe County Health and Human Services (BCHHS) Division 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 is sharing additional exposure details related to recent rabies cases in baby goats at a mobile petting zoo located in Iredell County.
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 — 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 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
MEDIA ADVISORY — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will hold a virtual media availability on Tuesday, July 21, at 2 p.m. with public health leaders to discuss the latest increase of cases in cyclosporiasis and preventative measures the public can take to stay safe.
PRESS RELEASE — As North Carolina continues to see elevated cyclosporiasis cases, NCDHHS, in collaboration with the NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) and local partners, is continuing work to identify potential sources of cyclospora stemming from specific ingredients used frequently at homes and in restaurants. NCDHHS encourages North Carolinians and restaurants to practice proper safety precautions to prevent contracting the parasite.