A Measles outbreak across portions of the United States has sparked concern from parents here in Orange County and enflamed the debate over vaccinations.

Stacy Shelp, Public Information Officer with Orange County Health Department, says there is no presence of measles in our community. But you don’t have to think back very far to remember an outbreak.

“Measles is extremely contagious; to the point of about a 90 percent contagion rate,” she says. “We did have an outbreak here in Orange County back in 2013. We had eight confirmed cases in Orange County and 23 in the state.

“As of that time, what we would continue to do is really encourage people to get their vaccination.”

Shelp says she does not have current numbers, but Orange County has traditionally had a high vaccination rate.

“In 2013 here at the Orange County Health Department, we actually had a very high vaccination rate at about 97 percent of our patients were vaccinated.”

Most public school students in North Carolina receive a shot to help fight off the measles, but there are waivers that can be filed by parents who do not want their children vaccinated.

“There are medical and religious exemptions that parents can use for school reasons,” she says. “It’s not going to be for us to track down and say ‘prove it, prove it, prove it.’ It really is for that parent to say.”

Shelp adds the vaccination is the best preventative measure parents can take to avoid the viral infection.

“They can get their first dose of the MMR between twelve and fifteen months old, and a second dose at four to six years of age,” she says. “That’s obviously, and with a lot of evidence behind it, the best way to protect yourself from measles.”

There have been no confirmed cases of measles in North Carolina in 2015. There was a scare with two potential cases in Cleveland County, but test results for measles were negative.

Related Stories
‹
On Measles, Orange County Wants to Bring 'Immunity to the Community'
Later this month, Orange County is hosting a public symposium on measles, part of a push to urge parents to get their kids vaccinated.
Chapel Hill Approves Rezoning for Greene Tract Site, Hears Next Steps for Development
The Chapel Hill Town Council is making progress on developing the Greene Tract, meeting in June to rezone part of the site. 
Here's How You Can Help Orange, Chatham Locals Affected by Tropical Depression Chantal
In the wake of historic rains and floods brought on by Tropical Depression Chantal, many in the Orange County community are in need of help — and many of their peers are looking for ways to help. Some residents and small businesses launched their own fundraisers in the aftermath, which people can seek out. Chapelboro […]
City of Mebane Loosens Water Usage Restrictions, Still Encourages Conservation
As the City of Mebane continues repairs on a water treatment plant, the local government issued an urgent message to residents on Wednesday morning to stop using water amid a drastic shortage.
Orange County Opening Recovery Assistance Center for Storm Victims
Orange County will open a Recovery Assistance Center (RAC) to provide essential services and support for residents affected by Tropical Depression Chantal this week. The center, located at the Drakeford Library Complex at 203 South Greensboro Street in downtown Carrboro, will operate from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. from July 10 through July 12. “The […]
Days After Historic Rain, Chapel Hill and Durham Under Another Flash Flood Warning
Many areas of Orange County, Chatham County and the rest of central North Carolina are again under a flash flood warning on Wednesday.
Orange County: Storm Recovery Continues
Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jamezetta Bedford spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, July 9th. She discussed the continued recovery from Tropical Depression Chantal. She discussed the stage water restriction in Mebane, which has led to the closure of some of Orange County's large employers. She also talked about services disrupted by the storm, and services the county is providing for folks who have been displaced, and more.
'We Need Help': Orange County Flood Victims Beginning to Pick Up the Pieces
Orange County residents whose homes were flooded during Sunday's storm shared their emotions and what help they need in the aftermath.
Orange County Reports First Fatality From Storm; Shelter Opens for Flood Victims
As the area continues assessing storm damage and waiting for high waters to recede, Orange County opened a public shelter at Smith Middle School.
Local Gov. Services in Orange County Closed on Monday After Flooding, Road Damage
Several typical local government services in Orange County are delayed or closed entirely on Monday, July 7 as the area continues responding and recovering from flash flooding and storm damage from Tropical Depression Chantal. Under the state of emergency issued on Sunday night, the Orange County government said all of its offices and facilities will […]
›