Buncombe County radio: staff report local measles cases, urge vaccination and precautions

Zakiya Bell Rogers and Lina Herrera told listeners that Buncombe County has recorded a small cluster of measles cases; during the segment Zakiya said there were "about seven" cases and emphasized measles' high contagiousness.

The hosts outlined typical measles symptoms and timing: incubation of about 7–14 days, high fever (reports cited up to 104°F), cough, runny nose, red watery eyes, Koplik spots in the mouth followed by a rash a few days later. "It can stay in the air for two hours after it has been released," Zakiya said, underscoring transmission risk from an infected person’s cough or sneeze.

Lina and Zakiya urged vaccination to protect young children and older adults and to help protect vulnerable community members. The program listed a walk-in vaccine clinic at "40 Cox" (walk-in hours given as Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8–11:30 a.m.; Tuesday and Thursday 1:00–4:30 p.m.) and provided the appointment phone number 828-250-5096. They advised anyone who suspects they have measles to stay home and call their health care provider rather than arriving unannounced at clinics or emergency departments so that staff can prepare appropriate precautions.

The hosts encouraged listeners to rely on reputable sources for vaccine information and reiterated that the measles vaccine has been used for decades and is considered safe.