Tests Rule Out Measles in Suspected San Juan Island Case

San Juan County Health Officials report that tests performed on a patient on San Juan Island have ruled out measles. The test were performed and analyzed at the State Public Health Laboratory in Shoreline on samples from a patient who was reported Tuesday, April 21st as having a rash, fever and other symptoms that suggested measles.

Health & Community Services Director Mark Tompkins reported that as soon as a physician on San Juan Island reported the possible case to the health department, public health officials took precautionary steps to prevent the potential spread of an infectious disease. The movements of the person exhibiting the symptoms were traced and steps were taken to determine who could have been exposed during the presumed contagious period, and to determine their immunity to measles.

“The businesses and the employees we worked with were extremely cooperative and spent a tremendous amount of time and effort to make sure the community was protected,” said Joanne Runyan, Public Health Nurse. “It is reassuring to have that kind of response, and we are grateful for their help.”

The results and analysis of tests performed by the Washington state lab were returned late Friday afternoon. The conclusion, “This was a rash illness, but not measles. Work continues to determine the cause of the illness” said San Juan County Health Officer Dr. Frank James.

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