Measles cases rise to 15
New cases linked to Lakeview Roller Skating Center
GRANT - Three additional measles cases were reported by the Grant County Health District Thursday, bringing the total number of cases to 15.
Public Information Officer Theresa Fuller told the public to call the health district at 509-766-7960 if they visited Lakeview Roller Skating Center in Soap Lake the evenings of April 19 or April 25. Fuller said visitors should call regardless of their believed immunity to measles.
She did not have any additional information on the family or families of the three new cases.
The health district announced April 30 eight children in one Moses Lake family contracted the illness. The children were not immunized and were home-schooled, the district reported.
On Monday the health district reported the number of cases rose to 12. Three Moses Lake Christian Academy students and one Covenant Christian School student contracted the illness.
Two of the Christian academy students were from one family, according to the school's administrator, LeAnne Parton.
Formal and informal group activities that are not a part of normal attendance were canceled until further notice, Parton said. School remains open.
At this point, nobody can come into school buildings without proof of immunization, she said.
"We've been able to adapt and work with it very well," Parton said. But it's certainly an inconvenience for everyone, parents, students. Everyone's done an amazing job here, and the health district has been wonderful for us to work with, very very wonderful."
The Department of Health stated symptoms of flu include cold-like symptoms, a high fever, and a rash. Measles can cause more serious problems such as pneumonia, the department added.
Fuller cautioned that people should call their health care provider or clinic prior to showing up at the facility.
"It is very important that you observe your child and call ahead to seek medical care for any symptoms of measles," administrator Peggy Grigg stated Monday. "Please notify the Grant County Health District if you are aware of anyone with a rash illness."
The health district recommends children and non-immune adults receive updated vaccinations.
According to the state health department, those who were born in 1957 or later and received a vaccine prior to 1968, never received a vaccine, never contracted measles or had no blood test showing immunity should consider getting vaccinated.
For more information, call the Grant County Health District at 509-766-7960, or a health care provider.