Measles outbreak reported in south King, Pierce counties

SEATTLE -- Public health officials are investigating eight confirmed cases of measles among members of the same extended family in south King County, and a single suspected case in Pierce County,"  Public Health -- Seattle & King County said Thursday.

The agency said these cases are linked to another case of a person who returned to the United States from the Pacific Islands on May 26 with measles.

Because there is uncertainty about places where the people with measles may have visited, the agency said, anyone residing in south King County or Pierce County should:


    It said known public exposures occurred at several MultiCare health care facilities where the infected individuals were treated, including a hospital in Tacoma. Details about these exposures will be updated regularly at the MultiCare website. These medical facilities are directly contacting persons who were present – clients, visitors, and staff – during the times of potential exposure

    Members of the south King County household were not vaccinated because they were too young to receive the vaccine or simply missed their vaccinations, Public Health said.

    What to do if you were potentially exposed to measles

    Anyone who lives or works in south King County should be alert for an illness with fever or illness with an unexplained rash, for at least the next three weeks. A combination of these signs or symptoms is a strong indicator of measles: fever, rash, cough, and red, watery eyes.

    The agency said it is a good time to confirm whether you’ve been vaccinated for measles or have had measles previously. Since most people in our area have immunity to the measles through vaccination, the risk to the general public is low.

    Anyone with symptoms of measles is being instructed to:


      People without a regular healthcare provider who think they might have measles can contact their local health departments at the numbers below:


        For those without insurance or a regular provider, the following healthcare facilities have agreed to provide vaccine (with a small administrative fee) for walk-in patients:


           

          About measles

          Measles is a highly contagious and potentially severe disease that causes fever, rash, cough, and red, watery eyes. It is mainly spread through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes.

          Measles symptoms begin seven to 21 days after exposure. Measles is contagious from approximately four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash appears. People can spread measles before they have the characteristic measles rash.

          People at highest risk from exposure to measles include those who are unvaccinated, pregnant women, infants under six months of age and those with weakened immune systems.

          For more information about measles, a fact sheet is available in multiple languages at: www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/communicable/diseases/measles.aspx