Whatcom County’s health department has issued guidance for how residents can protect themselves from measles, following the report of a case in King County.
The highly contagious virus is best prevented through vaccinations, the health department said in a news release. One dose of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for one-year-olds, with a second dose recommended at age 4. People with two doses have “nearly complete protection” from the virus, with an efficacy of 97%.
As of Feb. 27, the Centers for Disease Control reported a total of 164 measles cases in the U.S. this year, across nine states. Twenty percent of those cases were hospitalized, and one person has died.
That same day, King County reported a measles case in a infant who may have been exposed to the disease abroad. Ninety-five percent of people who have contracted the disease this year were unvaccinated, or their vaccination status was unknown, according to the CDC.
In comparison, only 285 cases of measles were reported in 2024.
Outbreaks of measles can be protected if 95% of a community is vaccinated. However, in Whatcom County, only 77% of children received their first dose of the vaccine on time, and only 87% of kindergartners are fully vaccinated, according to the news release.
The health department said despite “misinformation” online, “the measles vaccine is safe and very effective.” Measles spreads easily through coughs or sneezing, releasing virus particles. The virus can stay in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the room, according to the release.
Children in Washington can receive the measles vaccine for free or at a low cost through the state’s Childhood Vaccine Program. Children can access vaccinations through Primary Care Providers, Hoagland Pharmacy, some local pharmacies and through the health departments vaccine clinics, subject to availability. Adults can access vaccines at local pharmacies, and through some primary care providers.
[Read more: Get vaccinated at one of Whatcom County’s clinics this year]
Measles is recognized as a rash and fever, but can have serious complications including ear infections, deafness, pneumonia, brain inflammation, brain damage and immune memory loss.
For people traveling into a measles outbreak area, the health department recommends people stay up to date on vaccines, review travel alerts, take precautions like frequent handwashing and monitor your health for three weeks after you return.
Charlotte Alden is CDN’s general assignment/enterprise reporter; reach her at charlottealden@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 123.
