Measles cases reported in Grant County

Three confirmed cases in one family

MOSES LAKE - Three children in a Grant County household tested positive for measles Tuesday, the Grant County Health District reported.

Five other children in the household also developed rashes, but recovered without incident, the health district reported.

"Grant County Public Health staff and the Washington State Department of Health are working together to locate contacts at risk for measles, as well as determining who the source of the disease is," stated Public Information Officer Theresa Fuller. "The family and health care provider have been very cooperative in assisting the investigation efforts."

Fuller stated no contacts in the school district were identified.

"We have determined that close contacts within Grant County could have been exposed during the time period beginning April 8 through April 24," stated Administrator Peggy Grigg.

In March, family members attended the Generation Church Conference in Kirkland, Wash., a time period when the first child may have been exposed to the disease, according to Fuller.

None of the eight children in the household was immunized, the health district reported.

Washington State Department of Health stated Public Health - Seattle & King County has not confirmed the connection between the conference and first measles case.

"At this time, Public Health is not aware of any other people who attended the conference and have had measles," stated state Health Department spokesperson Donn Moyer. "As a precaution, Public Health is working with conference organizers to notify attendees that they may have been exposed to measles."

It is unknown whether other conference attendees were exposed to the illness, according to the department.

The Grant County Health District encourages all children and non-immune adults to be immunized. Vaccines for measles, mumps and rubella are recommended for children 12 months old. A second dose is recommended at least four weeks later but is typically done at age 4.

The health district noted for adults, it is especially important they get vaccinated if they could be exposed to measles or spread the illness through work or travel.

For more information, contact the health district at 509-766-7960.