Background
Whatcom County Health and Community Services has confirmed a case of measles in a resident of Whatcom County. The individual was evaluated at Family Care Network Urgent Care in Lynden on June 18, 2025.
Individuals present at the following location during the listed timeframe may have been exposed to measles:
| Date | Time | Location |
| June 18, 2025 | 5 pm to 9 pm | Family Care Network – Urgent Care – Lynden 1610 Grover St D1, Lynden, WA 98264 |
Requested Actions for Healthcare Providers
Immediately report suspected measles cases
- Call the reporting line at 360-778-6150 (24/7).
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 Suspected Measles Case Checklist to support clinical evaluation
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
Specimen Collection for Suspected Cases
Please collect the following specimens and notify Whatcom County Health and Community Services while the patient is still in your office. 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
Additional Notes
- Public notification regarding confirmed exposure sites will be shared by Whatcom County Health and Community Services.
- Providers are asked to coordinate with the health department and avoid sharing location-specific information until officially released.
Contact Information
- Main Line: 360-778-6100 (Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM)
- After Hours: Call 360-778-6100 and press 2 to reach the on-call manager or health officer
- Report Line (24/7): 360-778-6150
- Confidential Fax (24/7): 360-778-6103
- Address: 509 Girard Street, Bellingham, WA 98225