Local health officials encourage parents to have their children vaccinated for mealses.
Recent cases of measles in our region has Snohomish County health officials urging residents to prioritize vaccinations, emphasizing the importance of immunization in preventing the spread of this highly contagious disease.
There have been two confirmed cases of measles in our region in the past 30 days: one an infant in King County, the other a man in Snohomish County. The cases are thought to be linked and that the man was exposed to the King County infant by visiting the same location, health departments from both counties said in a joint press release.
Although these cases meet the criteria for a statewide measles outbreak, health officials believe the risk of further spread is minimal.
“We are now outside the window where we would expect additional secondary cases related to these infections,” Dr. James Lewis, Health Officer at the Snohomish County Health Department, said. Isolation measures played a significant role in minimizing public exposure, with limited interactions reported by the affected individuals.
Measles, a virus easily spread through coughing and sneezing, poses a serious threat to unvaccinated individuals. Early symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash that spreads from the face downward 14 days after exposure. Individuals may also get white spots on the insides of their cheeks called complex spots which are very specific for measles. Without vaccination, up to 90% of close contacts to an infected individual are likely to contract the virus.
“Vaccination is the most effective protection against measles,” Dr. Lewis said. “The MMR vaccine provides 93% protection with one dose at one year of age and 97% protection with two doses with the second dose between the age of four and six. We recommend that everyone ensure their vaccinations are up-to-date.”
The vast majority of people will not be in need of a booster as the vaccine has very enduring and lifelong immunity.
“It does not hurt to get an extra dose — but it would have minimal impact on improving immunity; there are new young children who need vaccines all the time and we need to make sure there is a robust supply for these young children here.”
Health teams have proactively contacted individuals who may have been exposed to the virus, verifying their immune status and providing post-exposure prophylaxis where needed. This swift response has been critical in reducing the risk of a wider outbreak.
Although measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, localized outbreaks have occurred due to declining immunization rates in some areas. Officials stress the importance of achieving at least 95% vaccination coverage to maintain herd immunity and prevent future outbreaks.
“Unvaccinated populations create risks not only for themselves but for the community as a whole,” Dr. Lewis said. “We have seen an increase in preventable diseases due to gaps in vaccination coverage.”
To enhance public awareness, the Snohomish County Health Department is working with community organizations and schools to distribute educational materials about the importance of vaccines. Free immunization clinics are also being offered to ensure accessibility, particularly for residents in underserved areas.
The department encourages residents to review their immunization records and consult their healthcare provider if unsure about their vaccination status. Those experiencing symptoms consistent with measles are advised to stay home and notify a healthcare provider for further guidance.
Resources for vaccination or additional information about measles are available through the Snohomish County Health Department’s website or helpline. Individuals suspecting they may have measles are urged to report symptoms through the Washington state reporting system or by contacting the health department directly.
“By working together, we can prevent outbreaks and protect public health,” Dr. Lewis said.
