Seattle Public Health warns of measles case in Seattle

Public Health – Seattle & King County has learned of a confirmed case of measles in an adult woman who was visiting from British Columbia, Canada. British Columbia is currently having a measles outbreak with 44 confirmed cases. The only site locally where persons were potentially exposed to measles is the Seattle Aquarium on April 3, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Because most people in the area are vaccinated against measles, the risk to the general population is low. 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 a fever or an unexplained rash.

If members of the public become ill with measles related to this case, they would be expected to develop a rash onset 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. Public Health has notified the affected location where community members may have been exposed.

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.

People are immune to mealses if they had measles or were properly vaccinated. People who lack immunity can get measles if exposed. Exposed people who are either no immune or unsure of their immunity should contact their health care provider.

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

Contact Mercer Island Reporter Staff Reporter Staff at editor@mi-reporter.com.

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