Submitted by San Juan County

Washington state is experiencing a second measles outbreak within five months, with six new cases confirmed in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties since May 9. This is separate from the previous outbreak that happened earlier this year.

The department of health website is being updated daily with details on the current status of the outbreak, which includes a list of locations in the affected counties where people may have been exposed. SeaTac International Airport is the likely source of exposure for the recently confirmed cases. No cases have been confirmed in San Juan County.

San Juan County Health & Community Services notified medical providers and schools about the current outbreak.

Because measles is so highly contagious, anyone who is unvaccinated is likely to contract measles even by just breathing the air in the room where an infected person has been within the past two hours. Infants, pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable, though the disease can be extremely dangerous for even very healthy persons.

The first symptoms of measles are like a bad cold — a high fever, runny nose and cough, followed by a rash that usually lasts five to six days. Other symptoms include red, watery eyes that are sensitive to light and feel very tired. Call your health care provider before going to the clinic or hospital if you are experiencing these symptoms.

Public health officials urge individuals to check their immunization status and those of their families, and to get up-to-date on the MMR vaccine. The MMR vaccine is the best protection against measles.

For more information, visit www.doh.wa.gov/measles, and https://www.sanjuanco.com/1611/Measles-2019.