Submitted by San Juan County.

In West Texas, there is a large measles outbreak. The outbreak is severe, and, tragically, one unvaccinated and otherwise healthy school-aged child and an unvaccinated adult died in this outbreak. Cases and outbreaks are popping up around the country, including in Washington state. Measles is one of the most contagious diseases, but thankfully, there is an immunization that has been proven to prevent the spread.

What is measles, and how contagious is it?

Measles is a highly contagious virus. The virus spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. You can get measles just by being in a room where a person with measles has been, even up to two hours after that person has left. Some people think of measles as just a little rash and fever that clear up in a few days. But measles can cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than 5 years old.

Are immunizations recommended for everyone?

Vaccination is your best protection. The most common measles vaccine is the combination measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Measles vaccinations have been given for decades and are a safe and effective way to protect yourself and others. Two doses of MMR vaccine are approximately 97% effective at preventing measles cases in exposed people.

Children should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, one between 12-15 months old and another between 4 and 6 years old.

It’s never too late to vaccinate.

The vaccine can also be given to older children and adults. It’s never too late to change your mind! You’re protecting yourself, your child and your community, and we appreciate that.

If you are up to date with vaccines, you are very well protected! Vaccines aren’t perfect, but the measles vaccine has a long history of keeping people safe.

If you were born after 1957 and vaccinated before 1968, another dose of the MMR vaccine is a good idea. The older version of the vaccine you likely received doesn’t work as well as the version that is used today. Contact your medical provider or pharmacy to make an appointment.

The majority of people born before 1957 are likely to have been infected naturally and therefore are presumed to be protected against measles, mumps and rubella.

How do I know if I’ve been vaccinated against measles?

Check your family’s immunization status. Parents and guardians can check their child’s immunization status or print their Certificate of Immunization Status at https://myirmobile.com/ or by contacting their medical provider.

If you have questions about the MMR vaccine or any other vaccines, we are happy to answer any questions you may have. Call us at 360-378-4474 to speak with one of our public health nurses.

Where can I get the measles immunization?

Vaccines are provided at no cost to all kids through age 18 in Washington. Call your child’s primary medical provider or visit our HCS website to sign up for an upcoming clinic! Online registration is available for our HCS clinics. If you are unable to schedule online, call our main office to schedule an appointment at 360-378-4474.

Adults needing the MMR vaccine should contact their medical provider or pharmacy to make an appointment.

Is there going to be an outbreak of measles in San Juan County?

Higher vaccination rates = a safer community. Ultimately, we don’t know. However, in the event of an outbreak, a high vaccination rate (think 95-plus out of every 100 people vaccinated against measles) is the best way to slow the community spread of disease. Higher vaccination rates help protect not only you but also those in your community who are unable to be vaccinated, including people with some pre-existing health complications and infants under 1 year old.

What do I do if I think I or my child might have measles?

Measles symptoms include a high fever, runny nose, cough and a rash all over the body. If you or your child have been exposed, or if you develop these symptoms, call your health care provider immediately! Measles is highly contagious, so if you think you may be infected the healthcare clinic will want to take extra precautions before you arrive.

For more information, contact Health & Community Services, hcs@sanjuancountywa.gov, 360-378-4474.

San Juan County’s Department of Health & Community Services is responsible for community and environmental health, mental health and substance abuse programs, senior services, affordable housing projects and more. The department has staff and offices on Lopez, Orcas and San Juan islands. For more information about San Juan County’s Department of Health & Community Services, visit www.sanjuancountywa.gov/1777/Health-Community-Services.