Health Advisory: Measles case associated with international travel in a King County resident

03/07/2025

Action Requested

  • Be aware of a confirmed measles case in an infant who traveled internationally in King County.
  • Isolate
    • Have a planned triage process for patients with fever and rash so these patients are not waiting in common areas with other people.
    • Patients with rash and fever should not stay in waiting rooms or other common areas.
    • Immediately isolate patients with suspected measles in an airborne infection isolation room (AIIR) or a private room with a closed door.
    • After patient is discharged, do not use or have staff enter the room for 2 hours.
  • Notify
  • Test  
  • Collect the following specimens on patients with suspected measles:
    • Nasopharyngeal swab placed in viral transport media; AND
    • Urine, minimum 20mL, in sterile leak proof container; AND
    • Serum, minimum 1mL, in red top or red-grey top tube

Background

Measles illness starts with a prodrome of fever, cough, coryza, and conjunctivitis (typically lasting 2-4 days) and then a generalized maculopapular rash that typically begins on the face/head then spreads to the neck, trunk and extremities. Increases in measles cases and outbreaks are occurring in every region of the world.

CDC recommends all U.S. residents aged 6 months and older without evidence of immunity, who plan to travel internationally, get the MMR vaccine at least 2 weeks prior to departure. Infants 6 to 11 months of age who get the MMR vaccine before international travel should get an additional 2 doses of MMR according to the recommended schedule, after 1 year of age.

Report immediately

If you suspect measles or for any other questions about measles, please contact the Yakima Health District at (509) 249-6541.

Immediately isolate patients with suspected measles. Prevent exposure to other patients.

  • Tell reception, phone and triage staff to identify patients with symptoms of possible measles.
  • Tell the patient to enter through a back door wearing a mask. Or see the patient outside away from others.
  • Immediately room the patient and close the door. Do not use the room until 2 hours after the patient leaves.
  • Ensure all staff who will contact the patient have documented immunity to measles.

Resources for providers