CHARLOTTE, N.C. — North Carolina has its first case of measles this year, the Department of Health and Human Services confirmed Tuesday.

A child from another country where measles has been reported became ill while visiting Forsyth and Guilford counties, according to a news release.

State officials are working with the Forsyth County Department of Public Health and Guilford County Health Department to identify others who might have been exposed to the child.

Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease that is spread by direct person-to-person contact and through the air, the release stated.

The virus can live for up to two hours in the air where the infected person was present. Symptoms typically begin seven to 14 days after exposure, but can appear up to 21 days after exposure and may include:

—High fever (may spike to more than 104 degrees)

—Cough

—Runny nose

—Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)

—Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums and roof of the mouth (Koplik Spots) two to three days after symptoms begin

—A rash that is red, raised, blotchy; usually starts on face, spreads to trunk, arms and legs three to five days after symptoms begin

“Getting vaccinated against measles continues to be the most important step we can take to protect ourselves and our loved ones,” North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai said in the release. “It is important to check with your health care provider to ensure you are current with all your vaccines.”

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