Background
Whatcom County Health and Community Services has confirmed two cases of measles in residents of Whatcom County. Cases are part of the same household. Risk to the general community is considered low at this time. We continue to evaluate suspected cases and coordinate testing if indicated.
Requested Actions for Healthcare Providers
Immediately report suspected measles cases
- Call 360-778-6100 (press 2)
Remain alert for measles in patients presenting with:
- Fever, cough, coryza (runny nose), and conjunctivitis (pink eye) for 2–4 days
- Generalized maculopapular rash, typically beginning on the face and spreading downward
- Koplik spots (small white spots) inside the cheeks 1–2 days before rash onset
- Severe systemic illness; patient often appears very ill
- Use the Measles Assessment Quicksheet to support clinical evaluation
Consider proactive measures to protect patients and staff in your facility
- Review immune status of staff
- Utilize signage on your front door to alert patients and visitors not to enter if they have symptoms of measles and exposure. Clinic Measles Sign template available
Immediately isolate patients with suspected measles
- Instruct reception/triage staff to identify patients with measles symptoms
- Mask symptomatic patients upon entry; patient must remain masked throughout visit
- Triage away from waiting areas; room immediately and close the door
- Use negative pressure isolation if available
- Only staff with documented measles immunity should enter the room
- All staff should wear appropriate PPE, regardless of immunity status
- Modified measles presentations have been reported in vaccinated individuals
- Do not re-enter the exam room for 2 hours after patient discharge
If a confirmed case is identified in your clinic setting, prepare to identify contacts exposed. A Contact line list template is available.
Specimen Collection for Suspected Cases
Please call us to consult regarding commercial vs Public Health testing options. Collect the following specimens and notify Whatcom County Health and Community Services while the patient is still in your office. If determined appropriate, we will coordinate transport to the Washington State Public Health Lab.
- For PCR and virus isolation:
- Nasopharyngeal swab in viral transport media (VTM)
- Urine sample (minimum 20 mL) in a sterile, leak-proof container
- For serologic testing (IgM):
- Serum (minimum 1 mL) in a red or red-grey top tube
Contact Whatcom County Health and Community Services at 360-778-6100
- 360-778-6100 Main Call Line – available M-F 8:30am to 4:30pm.
- Afterhours Answering Service – available after 4:30pm and weekends, call 360-778-6100 and press 2 to be connected to the on-call manager or health officer.
- 360-778-6150 Communicable Disease Report Line – 24 hours a day 7 days a week
- 360-778-6103 Confidential Communicable Disease Fax – 24 hours a day 7 days a week
- 509 Girard Street, Bellingham WA 98225