Measles Outbreak Declared in Snohomish County

EVERETT, Wash. — The Snohomish County Health Department has identified three new measles cases among children in the area, leading to a declared outbreak as the virus spreads through the community.

According to health officials, the unvaccinated children were exposed to a family visiting from South Carolina and tested positive on January 14 after showing symptoms like fever, cough, and a rash linked to measles.

The health department informed the local school district on Wednesday about confirmed cases at both Serene Lake Elementary and Pathfinder Kindergarten Center. Consequently, both schools will be closed on January 16 to give health officials time to manage the situation.

It’s important to note that measles can transmit even before symptoms appear and can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a place.

The department also listed public locations where the infected children had been prior to their diagnosis. Anyone who visited these places during the specified times might have been at risk:

• January 9, 8:30 a.m.–5:15 p.m. — Pathfinder Kindergarten Center, 11401 Beverly Park Road, Everett
• January 9, 8:30 a.m.–5:15 p.m. — Serene Lake Elementary School, 9401 Sharon Drive, Everett
• January 13, 1:10–3:10 p.m. — Swedish Mill Creek Campus, 13020 Meridian Ave. S., Everett

The times listed include an additional two hours afterward, during which the virus could have still been airborne.

“We’re likely to see more measles cases,” stated Dr. James Lewis, the Snohomish County Health Officer. “It’s possible there are additional cases in the community that we haven’t yet identified.”

Officials received notice last week that three members of the visiting family — one adult and two children — were contagious while in King and Snohomish counties from December 27 through January 1.

The family reportedly visited a variety of locations, including in Everett, Marysville, and Mukilteo, and traveled through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport during their stay.

Health officials encouraged families to watch for any symptoms and reach out to healthcare providers if there are concerns. Measles is known to be highly contagious and can lead to serious health issues, including brain swelling and, in rare cases, death.

“We’re really concerned about the well-being of our kids here in Snohomish County,” said Kim Van Pelt, the Health Department Director. “Measles is not just unpleasant; it can lead to severe complications.”

When there’s a confirmed measles case, the Snohomish County Health Department requires evidence of immunity from all school staff, students, and visitors. This can be provided through various means, such as documentation of birth before 1957, records of two doses of a measles vaccine from a licensed provider, or lab tests confirming immunity.

For more information on measles symptoms and safety precautions, residents can check the Snohomish County Health Department’s resources.