Visitor to King County had measles

Measles Virus - Photo CDC

A woman visiting from British Columbia has come down with measles and may have exposed people here when she visited in early April, Public Health – Seattle & King County officials said Friday.

British Columbia is currently having a measles outbreak with 44 cases confirmed to date, officials said.

The only site locally where people may have been exposed to the virus is the Seattle Aquarium on April 3rd, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., the officials said.

Because most people in Seattle and King County have been vaccinated against measles, the risk of infection to the general population is low.

However, “persons who are unvaccinated, pregnant women, infants less than six months of age and persons with weakened immune systems are at higher risk if exposed to measles and should contact their health care providers promptly if they develop an illness with fever or an unexplained rash illness,” Officials said.

If someone did become infected due to exposure to this case, they would be expected to develop a rash between April 10 and April 24.

“People who may have been exposed are asked to look out for symptoms and contact their health care provider if they become ill,” officials said.

Background on measles

Measles, also known as rubeola, is a highly infectious and usually severe illness that causes fever, rash, cough, and red, watery eyes. The rash begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Fever (often greater than 101° F), cough and other symptoms begin two to four days before the rash appears.

Measles Rash - Photo: CDC

People are immune to measles if they had measles or were properly vaccinated. People who lack immunity can get measles if exposed. Exposed people who are either not immune or unsure of their immunity should contact their health care provider. This is especially important for people at the greatest risk for severe illness: those under one year of age, pregnant women, and persons with weakened immune systems.

Measles symptoms begin seven to 21 days after the exposure to measles occurred. 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.

Measles spreads easily among susceptible persons and can result in serious infections complicated by pneumonia, encephalitis, seizures, and death. Most persons born before 1957 had the disease in childhood, and younger persons are routinely vaccinated against measles, both of which provide protection against the disease.

Persons with possible measles should call their health care provider before coming in to be seen to avoid exposing other vulnerable patients, and should wear a mask covering the nose and mouth, avoid public places, and minimize contact with others.

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

• For measles or other immunizations, contact your health care provider.

• For help finding a doctor, please call: Community Health Access Program (CHAP): 206-284-0331 or 1-800-756-5437

CHAP staff can refer you to a local a Public Health Family Health Clinic and/or a Community Health Clinic. These clinics offer full health services, including immunizations. If you do not have medical coverage, clinic fees are based on your income.

Tags: King County, Measles, Seattle

Category: Measles, News