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Health director warns of statewide measles cases and budget uncertainty; county remains on alert
Summary
Orange County Health Director Quintana Stewart reported 11 measles cases in North Carolina tied to a regional outbreak, said county wastewater shows no detections, and warned that an unapproved state budget and possible Medicaid shortfalls could threaten services.
Health Director Quintana Stewart delivered the department's report on Jan. 21, telling the Board that 11 measles cases have been reported across North Carolina and that Buncombe County has changed its MMR guidance for infants in response.
"There are currently eleven cases of measles in NC," Stewart said. She added that Chapel Hill wastewater data shows no detected cases and that Orange County has not documented exposures; nonetheless, staff are reviewing immunization records and preparing quarantine and isolation templates.
Stewart also highlighted fiscal uncertainty: North Carolina still had not approved a state budget at the time of the meeting, and cuts to Medicaid provider rates had prompted lawsuits before being rescinded; she said there are concerns Medicaid could run out of funds in early 2027 and that the outcome could place additional burdens on local governments. Dr. Erica Pettigrew and other board members discussed implications for local programs, including care-management services that the state intends to move to Advanced Medical Home Tier 3 providers beginning July 1, 2026—an administrative change that may require local adaptation depending on reimbursement.
Marcy Williams presented media items of local interest, including a pediatric flu death in Western North Carolina and a December measles exposure at RDU airport; she also noted a new NaloxoneNearMe.org resource from UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy and other community outreach items.
No formal actions were taken; the board emphasized readiness and monitoring of outbreaks and budget developments.
