HILLSBOROUGH, - North Carolina and Chatham County health officials have learned that at least two individuals who attended the Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival between Friday evening, 4/19, and Sunday, 4/21, have developed measles. 

These individuals had been previously exposed to measles and did not have symptoms during the festival.  However, they may have been contagious while camping at the event.

Measles is a highly infectious disease and anyone exposed to the virus who has not been vaccinated or has not had measles earlier in life is at high risk of developing the measles.  Please contact your doctor or local health department immediately if you develop fever, cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis (watery red eyes) or rash.  If you need medical care, please call your doctor or health department before you go so they can take steps to prevent other people from being exposed. 

The best protection against measles is the two part MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccination. Most children receive their first dose of the vaccine beginning at 12 months of age. The Chatham County Public Health Department is offering the MMR vaccine free of charge to any residents who have not received the vaccine in the past.

To schedule an appointment, residents can call the Chatham County Public Health Department, Monday through Friday 8 AM to 5 PM, at 919-542-8220 (Pittsboro clinic), 919-742-5641 (Siler City clinic), or call their family doctor.