Welcome to Skagit County
January 28, 2019 (Updated February 13) Measles Cases continue across the state, mostly in young children As of Wednesday, February 13, there are more than 50 confirmed cases of measles across Washington and Oregon. Investigations show the majority of cases were unimmunized. There are no cases reported as yet in Skagit County. Governor Inslee has declared a state of emergency in Washington. This proclamation directs state agencies and departments to use state resources and do everything that is reasonable to assist the impacted communities. Though there are currently no cases in Skagit County, Skagit County Public Health officials warn residents that measles is highly contagious and can easily spread. The measles virus can stay in the air for up to two hours after a contagious person has left the room. Unvaccinated individuals are at high risk for getting the disease and spreading it further. If you had measles as a child, you are considered immune. Public Health advises that people who are unimmunized should avoid travel to the affected areas in King County, Clark County, or in Portland, Oregon. For the list of affected locations in Clark County, please see their investigation website. Measles causes a rash and a fever, and is a serious disease, particularly for babies, young children and pregnant women. It can cause swelling of the brain and lung infections and, in rare cases, can be deadly. Measles can be easily spread to others once symptoms appear; people are contagious until the rash goes away. It can be spread through coughing, sneezing and simply exhaling. Call your doctor or clinic right away if you see these symptoms:
It is extremely important to tell your doctor or clinic that you have symptoms of measles before you arrive at a health care facility. They will give you instructions for what to do so that you don’t spread the disease. The Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccine, or MMR, is the best way to protect yourself and your family. Two doses of MMR is 97 percent effective against measles. It is a safe and very effective injection. Most children do not have any side effects from the shot. When they occur, the side effects are usually mild and do not last long. These side effects may include:
Review your family’s vaccination records and ask your doctor if you have questions about measles or the MMR vaccine. Skagit County has no current cases of measles – and only you can help it stay that way. For more information about measles, please contact Skagit County Public Health at 360-416-1500 or visit the CDC’s website: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/about/faqs.html |
