Second case of measles in Pierce County; where you may have been exposed

PIERCE COUNTY -- Health officials want you to know about the second confirmed case of the measles this year in Pierce County.

According to the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, the young woman was in close contact with a 13-month-old baby who was the county's first case of the year.

Officials say you could have been exposed to the measles at several locations earlier this month:

Doctors say if you were in any of these places, watch for symptoms and call the hospital before coming in -- to avoid exposing others.

There have been 10 confirmed cases of the measles this year in King County.

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 by clicking here.