Health Advisory: Measles case confirmed in Pierce County resident
Grays Harbor County Public Health & Social Services Department
The Pierce County resident spent time in Pierce and King Counties while contagious from May 6-11. See https://www.tpchd.org/Home/Components/News/News/126/286?backlist=%2fhome for a list of known exposure locations.
There are no confirmed or suspect cases of measles in Grays Harbor County. Most people in Grays Harbor County have immunity to measles through vaccination, so the risk to the general public is low. People at highest risk from exposure to measles include those who are unvaccinated, pregnant women, infants under twelve months of age and those with weakened immune systems.
A person is considered immune to measles if any of the following apply:
· You were born before 1957
· You are certain you had the measles
· You are up-to-date on measles vaccines (1 dose age 1-3 years, 2 doses age 4 years & up.)
Testing for immunity after MMR vaccination is not routinely recommended.
Please consider measles in patients who :
1. Present with febrile rash illness and the “three Cs”: cough, coryza, or conjunctivitis.
2. Recently traveled internationally or potentially exposed to someone with measles.
If you suspect measles, immediately mask and isolate patients to avoid disease transmission and contact Grays Harbor County Public Health to arrange for testing.
Grays Harbor County Public Health does not provide measles immunizations or testing for immunity.
We have developed a Q & A document in response to community concerns about measles. Please let us know if you hear commonly asked questions or concerns that would be helpful to include in the Q & A document. As always, we are available to discuss any questions about measles diagnosis or testing requirements.
For questions or further information contact Lisa Leitz RN, Communicable Disease Program Coordinator at (360) 500-4044 or lleitz@co.grays-harbor.wa.us or our main line at (360) 532-8631.
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Health Alert: Immediate action needed
Health Update: Updated information on Alert or Advisory
Health Advisory: May require immediate action
Info Service: Not of an emergent nature