Measles
Current Situation
With confirmation of the measles virus in Washington state, Grant County Health District (GCHD) is advising individuals to check their children's and their own vaccination status and verify they are up-to-date with the measles mumps rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Anyone who believes they may have been exposed and believes they have symptoms of measles should call their healthcare provider prior to visiting the medical office to make a plan that avoids exposing others in the waiting room.
Visit the Washington Public Measles Exposure Location Tracker mapping tool to see if you might have been exposed to measles at a public location in Washington State.
Measles Information for Providers
For isolation, testing, and shipping guidance visit our 'Measles Information for Providers' page.
About Measles
Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by the measles virus. Measles can cause serious health complications, especially for babies and young children.
The measles virus travels through the air. A sick person can spread measles by coughing, sneezing, breathing, or talking. People can get measles when they breathe air with the measles virus, or if they get the virus on their hands and touch their face. Measles can stay in the air for up to two hours, so people can get measles even after a sick person has left the area.
Symptoms
- High fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- A rash which begins at the face and spreads down the body
Complications
Common complications include diarrhea, ear infections, pneumonia, or acute encephalitis (an inflammation of the brain that can lead to convulsions and can leave a child deaf or developmentally delayed). Complications are more common in children under 5 years of age and adults older than 20.
One of every 20 children with measles gets pneumonia. For every 1,000 children who get measles, one child will develop encephalitis, and one or two will die from measles complications.
Measles during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage or premature births.
Prevention
- Protect your children by having them vaccinated.
- Protect yourself by making sure you have immunity to measles.
- If you think you might have been exposed to measles and need to seek healthcare, call ahead so appropriate measures can be taken to protect other patients and staff.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment beyond bed rest, fluids, and control of fever. There may be additional treatment if complications develop.
Vaccine
- Measles is usually combined with mumps and rubella in the MMR vaccine.
- Children should receive two doses of MMR vaccine: the first at 12 to 15 months of age and the second at 4 to 6 years of age.
- Adults born before January 1, 1957, are assumed to be immune to measles. Other adults (except for pregnant women) who have not had measles or been vaccinated are at risk and should get at least one dose of MMR vaccine. Pregnant women should not be vaccinated until after delivery.
- Check you and your family's immunization status.
- Flow Chart: I'm an adult. Should I get the MMR vaccine? (PDF)