Healthcare Advisory: Measles cases in Washington; new assessment and testing resources
- tadsooter
- Jun 27
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 30
Note: This advisory is for healthcare professionals. To read public health advisories, visit kitsappublichealth.org/news/categories/advisories.
From January 1 through June 25, 2025, 10 cases of measles have been confirmed in King, Snohomish and Whatcom Counties.
Details on the recent cases and potential exposure locations can be found on Whatcom County and Public Health Seattle-King County webpages. A full list of all of the measles cases identified in Washington in 2025 can be found on the Measles Activity and Surveillance section of the WA DOH Measles webpage.
See the "Background" section below for more information.
ACTIONS REQUESTED
BE FAMILIAR with the signs and symptoms of measles:
Fever (≥101°F or 38.3°C), AND
Rash (maculopapular), which [typically starts after 2 – 4 days of initial symptoms], appearing on the head/face, then spreading downwards, AND
At least one of the following prodromal symptoms (sometimes called the “3 Cs“):
Cough
Conjunctivitis (red eyes)
Coryza (runny nose)
ISOLATE & MASK any patient suspected of measles. Measles is a highly infectious viral disease which can be spread through air in waiting rooms and other public spaces.
If a patient with symptoms of measles visits your facility and is later confirmed as a case of measles, public health may ask your facility for information about other patients and staff who were exposed to the patient.
Healthcare providers should use a high quality, well-fitting respirator like an N95 when caring for patients suspected of having measles.
IMMEDIATELY NOTIFY Kitsap Public Health District any suspected cases of measles.
Healthcare providers are legally required to immediately report suspected cases of measles to their Local Health Jurisdiction. These reports should be made by phone, at any time of day or night, including weekends and holidays.
WA DOH has created a Suspect Measles Provider Evaluation Worksheet to assist providers who are assessing a patient for measles and to collect the information that your Local Health Jurisdiction may ask for.
ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE
Testing for measles is available at the WA DOH Public Health Laboratories (PHL).
Providers must work with Kitsap Public Health to get approval to submit specimens to PHL.
WA DOH has updated the MMR Specimen Testing Protocol document that provides instructions for specimen submission and testing at PHL. The document also includes expected turn-around times for results.
MMR vaccination remains the most important tool for preventing measles infections.
Ensure all patients without evidence of immunity are up to date on MMR vaccine.
Ensure that patients who are planning to travel internationally (regardless of the destination) or domestically (to outbreak areas) are fully vaccinated at least 2 weeks before departure.
Infants under 12 months who are traveling internationally should receive an early dose at 6 through 11 months, another dose at 12-15 months, and a final dose at least 28 days later (typically 4 through 6 years).
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is available for measles after exposure to a confirmed case.
Measles PEP includes MMR vaccine (administered within 72 hours of exposure) and measles immune globulin (IG, administered up to 6 days of exposure).
WA DOH has developed a Measles Post-Exposure Prophylaxis guide for contacts of confirmed cases of measles. Infants, pregnant persons, and severely immunocompromised individuals should be carefully assessed for for PEP.
BACKGROUND
Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by the measles virus. The virus is transmitted by direct contact with infectious droplets, or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes.
Measles virus can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. MMR vaccination remains the best way to protect against measles and its complications, with two doses of MMR vaccine 97% effective in preventing measles infections.
Measles can cause severe health complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and death. This year, 12% of reported measles cases in the United States have been hospitalized.
From January 1 through June 24, 2025, the CDC has recorded 1,227 cases of measles across the United States including three deaths. 37 states have reported cases, including Washington state. The majority of these cases (89%) have been linked to 23 outbreaks of measles (defined as three or more cases that share common exposures).
RESOURCES
Measles webpage | DOH
Measles Cases and Outbreaks | CDC (updated weekly on Wednesdays)
CONTACTING THE HEALTH DISTRICT
Call: 360-728-2235 and leave a message. Includes reporting notifiable conditions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Leave the patient’s name, date of birth and disease.
Fax: 360-813-1168
.png){kind=logo}
