HILLSBOROUGH- Health Department officials say the measles outbreak in Orange County is under control, but we’re not out of the woods yet.

Communications Manager Stacy Shelp says the recent outbreak seems to be winding down.

“In Orange County we’re still at five confirmed cases of measles. We do have two suspect cases that we’re watching, but they are in quarantine,” says Shelp. “We are down to only having two other people in quarantine, so that’s really good news.”

Statewide, the number of confirmed cases is holding steady at 19. Shelp says while those numbers have not increased, health officials are still waiting to see if a potential exposure in Chatham County will generate any more cases.

“I do want to reiterate that we are not necessarily in the clear. We did have the potential exposure at the Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival, and we are still twelve days away from the last possible time that someone could start showing symptoms from that exposure.”

The Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival drew big crowds to Silk Hope in mid-April. Shelp says anyone who attended the four-day music festival and is not currently vaccinated should be on the look out for symptoms.

“If you did attend the Shakori Hills festival and you have not had the vaccine and you start showing symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, or fever call your local health department immediately.”

Measles vaccinations are available from the Orange County Health Department.

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