Snohomish County Measles Outbreak Update

Snohomish County, Washington—The local health department has reported three more cases of measles, raising the total to six since the outbreak was announced a couple of weeks ago.

The most recent case, confirmed on Tuesday, involved a child who had not been vaccinated. Health officials noted that this child was contagious during a service at an event hosted by Slavic Christian Church Awakening in Mukilteo on Sunday, January 18. Anyone who was present between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. that day might have been exposed to the virus.

Health officials state that individuals born before 1957 or those who have received two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine are generally deemed immune.

Guidelines for Potential Exposure

• Check your vaccination status to determine if you have received the MMR vaccine or had measles before. You can look up your records at myirmobile.com. If you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to get vaccinated again. Receiving another dose is safe, even if you think you’ve been vaccinated.
• Residents of Snohomish County can inquire about vaccine availability at local pharmacies and clinics. Vaccinations for children under 19 are free, and many insurance plans, including Medicare Part B, cover adult vaccinations.
• If you were born after 1956, haven’t been vaccinated, and have never had measles, it’s advisable to quarantine for 21 days post-exposure.
• Should you experience fever or an unexplained rash, contact a healthcare provider immediately. It’s best not to visit a clinic or hospital without calling first to inform them of your exposure risk. Limiting contact with others, particularly those lacking immunity, is also crucial.

Earlier in the month, health officials confirmed three measles cases among local children who were exposed to a family from South Carolina that was contagious. Those cases met the criteria for an outbreak, indicating local transmission.

Since the outbreak announcement, two other cases within an isolated family group have been identified, both involving unvaccinated children. However, no new exposure sites were reported, so the public remains largely safe.

According to Health Officer Dr. James Lewis, “Most people in our county have immunity to measles through vaccination, so the risk to the general public is low. The next few weeks will be critical in assessing the direction of this outbreak. Now is the time to check your immunization status and ensure you’re up to date.”