Additional measles cases confirmed in Snohomish County. See Snohomish County Health Department’s latest announcement here. All known public exposure locations are listed on the measles map tracker.
Requested Actions for Healthcare Providers
Immediately report suspected measles cases
- 360-778-6100 Main Call Line – available M-F 8:30am to 4:30pm.
- For weekends, holidays, and after-hours, call 360-778-6100 and follow prompts.
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
- Ensure appropriate staff have up-to-date fit testing on respirators and those respirators are available.
- 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 (Patients, staff, and visitors). A Contact line list template is available.
Specimen Collection for Suspected Cases
Please call us to consult regarding commercial vs Public Health testing options. If determined appropriate, we will coordinate transport to the Washington State Public Health Lab. Collect the following specimens and notify Whatcom County Health and Community Services while the patient is still in your office if possible.
- For PCR and virus isolation:
- Nasopharyngeal swab in viral transport media (VTM) (*priority specimen*)
- If more than 3 days from onset of rash, also collect 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