Health Update: New measles outbreak has 7 confirmed cases in WA State
Grays Harbor County Public Health & Social Services Department
King County has 4 cases, Pierce County has 2 cases and Snohomish County has 1 case. All cases were present at SeaTac International Airport on 4/25/2019. You can view other exposure sites and dates at www.doh.wa.gov.
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 County 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.
Due to the current increase in measles cases in the United States (https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/68/wr/mm6817e1.htm), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has developed a summary for vaccination of adults against measles with measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine.
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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