Measles cases spreading in Washington state

Measles is continuing to spread in Washington state as cases in San Juan County have spread to a Kitsap County resident.

Measles is continuing to spread in Washington state as cases in San Juan County have spread to a Kitsap County resident.

A man in his 40s from Kitsap County visited several places in Friday Harbor, including a restaurant at the same time as a contagious San Juan County man.San Juan County’s case count is now five, and Kitsap County has one.

In Whatcom County, the case count remains at six.So far, there are no reported measles cases related to a Whatcom County woman who attended a concert and several public venues in King and Pierce counties while contagious.

Public health officials warn that people who went to those places may now start showing symptoms. According to health officials, the Kitsap County man may have been exposed to measles March 21 at Cask and Schooner Public House and Restaurant, where San Juan County’s first case was also present while contagious.

The Kitsap resident also traveled around Puget Sound while contagious, going to Seattle from Bainbridge Island on the Washington State Ferry System April 4, then flying to Friday Harbor.

From the marina, he went to the San Juan County Department of Community Development and Planning, Cask and Schooner and the fuel dock in Friday Harbor.

A list of the places visited by both cases while they were contagious is available online. Anyone who was in those places at the listed times should find out if they’ve been vaccinated for measles or have had measles before.

People who are not vaccinated, or aren’t sure if they’re immune, and develop an illness with fever and unexplained rash, should consult a health care professional immediately. Call ahead to their clinic, doctor’s office, or emergency room before arriving so people in waiting rooms aren’t exposed.