A new case of measles has been confirmed in Snohomish County, bringing the total number of cases in the county to two within just over two weeks. This is the third case of measles in Washington state this year.
The latest case was an infant who likely contracted the disease while traveling abroad. The health department warns that individuals who were in public locations at specific times and dates may have been exposed to the virus, particularly those in the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Providence clinics on March 27-31.
Those who visited these locations during the specified time periods are advised to check their vaccination status and consider getting vaccinated if necessary. The health department emphasizes that measles is a serious disease that can lead to complications, especially for young children and people with weakened immune systems.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control, 483 cases of measles have been identified in the US this year, with 97% of those cases occurring in unvaccinated individuals. Health officials urge everyone to prioritize vaccination, particularly those who spend time around young children, as a way to protect themselves and those most at risk.
Measles vaccination is highly effective, and annual vaccinations have largely eliminated measles in the US since its introduction in 2000. However, recent increases in cases since 2024 indicate that vaccination remains crucial for protecting against this contagious disease.
Source: https://www.heraldnet.com/news/another-positive-measles-case-identified-in-snohomish-county