For immediate release: May 3, 2008 (08-069)

Contacts:
Tim Church, Communications Office 360-534-0068 (pgr), 360-236-4077 (office)

Nine measles cases now confirmed in Grant County
State health department concerned that others may have been exposed across the state

OLYMPIA ¾ The state Department of Health has confirmed a ninth case of measles in Grant County. Health officials are concerned because the girl traveled across the state last Tuesday as part of a school trip, and would have been infectious at that time.

During the trip on Tuesday, April 29, the girl made several stops. Persons who were at the following sites may have been exposed to measles:

• Krispy Kreme restaurant in Issaquah at 6210 E. Lake Sammamish Pkwy SE, from around 11 am to 1:30 pm;

• Experience Music Project/Science Fiction Museum in Seattle (EMP|SFM) (Seattle Center), 325 5th Avenue North, from around noon to 4:45 pm;

• McDonald’s restaurant in Issaquah at 1305 N.W. Gilman Blvd, around 3:45 pm to 6:30 pm; and

• Indian John Hill rest area on eastbound I-90 near Cle Elum around 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. At the rest area she was in the women’s restroom and visited the free coffee stand.

Measles (www.doh.wa.gov/EHSPHL/factsheet/measles.htm) spreads very easily through coughing and sneezing. A person with measles can spread the disease from four days before to four days after the day the rash starts. Symptoms of measles may include a high fever, cold-like symptoms, and a rash. It may also cause more serious problems like pneumonia.

Anyone who was at one of these locations on Tuesday, April 29, during the listed times and develops measles-like symptoms should consult a health care provider — especially those who’ve not been vaccinated for measles. It’s always important to call before going to the clinic or doctor’s office to be checked for measles so that other people are not exposed to the disease. Suspect measles cases should be reported immediately to the local health department (www.doh.wa.gov/LHJMap/LHJMap.htm).

Nine cases of measles involving Grant County residents have been confirmed in the last week. It’s not known if this most recent case is connected to the others. The first eight cases are in one family. Three members of that family attended the Generation Church Conference in Kirkland last month. It’s unclear if they contracted measles at the conference or somewhere else. It remains unknown whether others in attendance were exposed to measles.

There were two conference sessions; one ran from March 25-27 and one from March 27-29. The Grant County family members attended the second session of the conference, but people in both sessions attended combined events on March 27. People from around the state, other states, and other countries attended the conference — attendance has been estimated at 2,000 or more.

It’s possible that the first member of the Grant County family was exposed to measles while at the conference in King County in late March, but Public Health – Seattle & King County has not confirmed this connection. At this time, they’re not aware of any other people who attended the conference and have had measles. As a precaution, Public Health is working with conference organizers to notify attendees that they may have been exposed to measles.

These measles cases show the importance of making sure everyone is protected against measles and other preventable diseases. Vaccination provides the best protection. The MMR vaccine may be able to prevent measles if the shot is given within three days of exposure to the disease.

The MMR vaccine is recommended for children one year and older, as well as teens and adults who are not immune to measles. Children should get one shot around their first birthday and a booster shot between 4-6 years. Teens who haven’t received the vaccine need two doses. People 18 and older may need one or two doses depending on their age and other factors.

For more information on measles, contact your doctor, local health agency, or the state Department of Health’s Immunization Program (www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/Immunize/default.htm) at 360-236-3595. More measles information (www.doh.wa.gov/EHSPHL/Epidemiology/CD/ci/measles-grant.htm) is online.

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