Topics Related to Public Health

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 measles outbreak in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. To protect the family's privacy, no additional information about these cases will be released. On Tuesday, South Carolina health officials announced 124 new measles cases, bringing the total number related to their outbreak to 434.

MEDIA ADVISORY — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will hold a virtual media availability on Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 3 p.m. to address the latest increase in flu-related deaths in North Carolina.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is recognizing one year of service for Secretary Dev Sangvai. In 2025, Secretary Sangvai worked to advance key priorities including increasing access to and improving affordability of care, investing in whole-person health by prioritizing mental health and supporting North Carolina’s most vulnerable children.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced a new case of measles in Rutherford County. This brings the total number of North Carolina measles cases to five since late December. All individuals who may have been exposed have been notified. To protect the individual’s privacy, no additional information about the case will be released.

PRESS RELEASE — 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 ongoing 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.

MEDIA ADVISORY — NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai, NCDHHS Director of the Division of Public Health Dr. Kelly Kimple, and Medical Director of the Medical Consultation Unit Dr. Erica Wilson will hold a virtual media availability on Wednesday, Jan. 7 at 2:30 p.m.

PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and Gaston County Public Health have been informed of a measles case in a person who traveled through Gaston County 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 today announced a case of measles in an unvaccinated child in Polk County. The child had visited locations in Spartanburg County, South Carolina linked to a large ongoing measles outbreak in Upstate South Carolina. The child developed symptoms of measles before Christmas and has since recovered. To protect the family’s privacy, no additional information about this individual will be released.

PRESS RELEASE — The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today awarded North Carolina $213 million through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). These funds will improve health care access for rural North Carolinians. In November, North Carolina submitted its application for these funds with bipartisan support from the state’s congressional delegation. These funds are awarded for 2026, and North Carolina will be eligible for more funding each year for the next five years.

PRESS RELEASE — In recognition of National Radon Action Month, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is providing 8,000 free radon test kits available beginning Jan. 1, 2026, at radon.ncdhhs.gov. Radon exposure is preventable, and testing is the only way to know if you or your family is at increased risk.