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Buncombe County

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Measles exposure possible at Asheville Holiday Inn Express, health officials say
local1 month ago

Measles exposure possible at Asheville Holiday Inn Express, health officials say

NC health officials say an out-of-state measles case traveled through Asheville, with potential exposure at the Holiday Inn Express (435 Smokey Park Hwy) on Aug. 26, 2026 from 1:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Guests and staff potentially exposed should monitor for symptoms through Sept. 16, 2026 and contact a local health department if symptoms appear; privacy limits were noted. NC had 24 measles cases from Dec 2025–Feb 2026, with many among unvaccinated or unknown-status individuals, and nationwide the CDC reports 2,887 confirmed measles cases as of Aug. 27, 2026, the highest since the early 1990s MMR vaccine rollout. Public health guidance urges vaccination with the MMR vaccine for unvaccinated individuals 1 year and older (including international travelers) and provides information on vaccine access.

Buncombe County school bus crash leaves students safe, no injuries reported
local1 month ago

Buncombe County school bus crash leaves students safe, no injuries reported

A Buncombe County school bus carrying 14 Charles D. Owen Middle/High School students crashed on Buckeye Cove Road near US 70. Officials say no students were injured; a Mustang driver sustained minor injuries and was taken to Mission Hospital. School administrators notified families and arranged for another bus to take the students home.

Four cyclosporiasis cases confirmed in Buncombe, seven in Henderson counties
local2 months ago

Four cyclosporiasis cases confirmed in Buncombe, seven in Henderson counties

North Carolina health officials report four cyclosporiasis cases in Buncombe County and seven in Henderson County, part of a statewide rise to 307 cases from May 1 to July 14. Cyclosporiasis is caused by the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite and is often linked to contaminated fresh produce such as cilantro and parsley. Symptoms include watery, sometimes explosive diarrhea; while not usually life-threatening, the illness can require hospitalization for vulnerable groups. No single source has been identified yet, and officials reiterate standard food-safety practices like thorough handwashing and washing/cooking produce, plus refrigerating leftovers promptly.

Private equity tightens grip on Asheville’s vet clinics
business5 months ago

Private equity tightens grip on Asheville’s vet clinics

An Asheville Watchdog analysis shows Buncombe County’s small-animal clinics are increasingly owned by corporate, private-equity-backed groups, with more than half of clinics and all three emergency hospitals now consolidated. Private equity lures vets with signing bonuses, student-loan relief, and higher salaries, driving buyouts that raise costs for pet owners and contribute to clinician burnout, even as some independents remain. Pet owners report higher bills and tougher access, while welfare groups provide vouchers to help keep pets in homes. Surveys indicate independent and corporate vets share similar overall satisfaction, suggesting the industry’s shift affects care models and costs more than clinician happiness.

Controversy Over Sanctuary Jurisdictions Sparks Local Reactions
government1 year ago

Controversy Over Sanctuary Jurisdictions Sparks Local Reactions

Buncombe County in North Carolina has been designated as a 'sanctuary jurisdiction' by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for not fully cooperating with federal immigration enforcement, following an executive order by President Trump. The county's sheriff has stated that his office will not assist ICE beyond what is required by law, and the DHS may suspend federal funding and pursue legal actions to enforce compliance.

Asheville's Boil Water Notice Lifted After 7 Weeks
local-news1 year ago

Asheville's Boil Water Notice Lifted After 7 Weeks

The Water Resources Department has lifted the boil water advisory in Buncombe County, which was in place due to Tropical Storm Helene. After extensive testing, the water was confirmed free of E. coli and coliform. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' filtration system has ensured that the water is now treated and safe for consumption, with turbidity levels returning to normal.

Rising Distemper in NC Raccoons Poses Threat to Dogs
health1 year ago

Rising Distemper in NC Raccoons Poses Threat to Dogs

A wildlife biologist reports an increase in canine distemper cases among raccoons in Buncombe County, North Carolina, but states it is not a high concern. The disease, which can affect various wildlife species, shows symptoms similar to a cold or flu in humans and can lead to neurological issues. While there are no human health risks, pets like dogs and ferrets can be infected, so vaccination and avoiding wildlife contact are advised. The NC Wildlife Resources Commission offers a hotline for reporting unusual animal behavior.

Flu Claims Lives Across U.S. in 2023-2024 Season
health2 years ago

Flu Claims Lives Across U.S. in 2023-2024 Season

Buncombe County in North Carolina has reported its first flu-related death of the 2023-2024 season. The county health officials received notification on December 11, 2023, but no further information about the deceased has been released to protect the family's privacy. The public health director emphasized the seriousness of the flu and urged the community to take preventive measures, including getting vaccinated, practicing good hand hygiene, and staying home if feeling unwell. The CDC recommends flu vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older, with certain groups at higher risk for serious illness. Individuals experiencing flu-like symptoms should contact their doctor for early treatment, and it is important to differentiate between flu and COVID-19 symptoms. The public is encouraged to get vaccinated and take additional precautions to protect themselves during the flu season.

Multiple Counties in NC Declare Burn Bans and State of Emergency Due to Severe Drought
natural-disasters2 years ago

Multiple Counties in NC Declare Burn Bans and State of Emergency Due to Severe Drought

Buncombe County in North Carolina has declared a state of emergency and expanded a burn ban due to extreme fire risk caused by severe drought conditions. The ban prohibits all outdoor burning, including fire pits and campfires, except for food preparation on outdoor grills. Several wildfires have already occurred in the region, with homes being evacuated and structures damaged. County officials are urging residents to develop safety plans and stay informed through the Code Red text messaging system. The ban on open burning has also been extended to multiple counties in the area. The state of emergency allows for coordinated emergency response efforts with various agencies and organizations.

Multiple Students Arrested for Bringing Guns to School
crime2 years ago

Multiple Students Arrested for Bringing Guns to School

An 18-year-old student at Erwin High School in Buncombe County, North Carolina, has been charged with having a gun on educational property. The Buncombe County Sheriff's Office described it as an isolated incident and stated that the student was taken into custody without incident. The school encouraged students to use the anonymous safety reporting tip line, and the student is currently being held on a $10,000 bond.

Surging COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations Spark Concern in Multiple Counties
health3 years ago

Surging COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations Spark Concern in Multiple Counties

COVID-19 cases in Buncombe County, North Carolina, have reached their highest levels since December, according to the Metropolitan Sewer District. Hospitalizations remain low, but demand for COVID-19 tests is outpacing supply at local pharmacies. Free tests are available at designated locations in Asheville, and health officials are urging residents to stay up to date with vaccines, seek medical guidance if needed, and continue practicing basic prevention measures.