Measles Update #11

Current Measles Surveillance
No additional cases have been reported or are under investigation in San Juan County since April 18, 2014. Over the past month there have been a total of six (6) cases of measles among San Juan Island residents. All known cases are now beyond the contagious period. However, current information indicates that exposures to contagious individuals in Friday Harbor took place as late as April 8th at numerous locations. This means local residents could still develop symptoms from this outbreak as late as April 29, 2014.

While all the known cases have passed the infectious period, additional cases may be present in the community. It is difficult to know for sure if an individual is infected, as one is contagious for a full day before experiencing symptoms. According to CDC guidelines an outbreak cannot be considered over until two incubation periods beyond the last known exposure. In this case May 20, 2014.

In addition to the cases that have occurred in San Juan County, six individuals in Whatcom and one in Kitsap County have recently been diagnosed with measles. Several of these individuals are known to have traveled throughout the region while infectious. For this reason San Juan County residents should consider measles as a possibility if they become ill.

If you become infected, the symptoms of measles will be present 7-21 days after exposure. Symptoms are high fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and a rash of tiny, red spots that starts at the head and spreads to the rest of the body. Measles is especially dangerous for children under 5 years of age, pregnant women, and immunocompromised persons.

If you are feeling sick and think you may have the measles DO NOT come to the Health Department or your medical provider without calling first. If you think you have measles you will be asked to wear a mask and may be conducted to a special room for examination.

Most adults born before 1957 have had measles and can be considered to be immune.
The best protection against measles is the MMR vaccine. You should be sure now that your children are fully immunized.

If you or your child, older than 12 months of age, have not received a dose of MMR vaccine; you should be vaccinated now. If you or your child, older than 12 months of age, have received one dose of MMR vaccine; and, it has been more than 28 days since that dose, you should now consider a second dose of MMR vaccine.

Remember CALL FIRST before going to your health care provider or the Health Department.
If you have questions about measles you can call San Juan Health and Community Services at 378-4474.

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