Providers must report suspected cases of measles immediately. Call reporting line.
Measles, also called rubeola, is a viral illness characterized by a prodrome of cough, coryza and conjunctivitis (the 3 “Cs”) followed by the development of maculopapular rash. It generally causes a severe illness for which people seek medical care.
Many healthcare providers in the United States have never seen measles, as it is quite rare here. However, measles is occasionally imported into the United States by unvaccinated travelers, which can lead to outbreaks.
Report immediately.
If you suspect measles, call Whatcom County Health and Community Services using the contact information found at the bottom of the page.
Immediately isolate patients with suspected measles. Prevent exposure to other patients.
- Tell reception, phone and triage staff to identify patients with symptoms of possible measles.
- Tell the patient to enter through a back door wearing a mask. Or see the patient outside away from others.
- Immediately room the patient and close the door. Do not use the room until 2 hours after the patient leaves.
- Ensure all staff who will contact the patient have documented immunity to measles.
Resources for providers
- Suspect Measles Evaluation Worksheet.
- Measles Reporting Form.
- CDC measles information for healthcare providers.
- Measles Case Definition.
- 2019 Measles Outbreak Information.
- Immunizations for Schools.
- MMR Vaccine Exemption Law Change.
Immunize
Strongly recommend and offer of vaccines. It’s the #1 reason patients accept vaccines for themselves and their children.
Questions and reporting
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