Sixteenth measles case reported

Children's group is site of recent exposure

GRANT COUNTY - The number of measles cases reported by the Grant County Health District reached 16 Sunday.

It is one additional case compared with the last count, reported May 8.

Infected individuals are all unvaccinated residents of Moses Lake, according to the health district.

A children's group at Say Yes Lord Ministries Bible study, meeting Wednesday nights at Chief Moses Middle School, was identified as a site where recent exposures to measles occurred, according to Public Information Officer Theresa Fuller.

The health district is working with families who were exposed to make sure they have access to the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine, Fuller stated.

Fuller said those who are involved with the children's group should contact the health district at 509-754-6060, if the health district has not already contacted them.

In addition, Fuller recommended those who visited Lakeview Roller Skating Center in Soap Lake the evenings of April 19 or April 25 to contact the health district.

During the outbreak, the health district is tracking cases to pinpoint possible outbreak sources and individuals who might have been exposed to the disease so steps can be taken to prevent infection, according to Fuller.

Becoming vaccinated for measles protects individuals from infection, which helps prevent its spread, Fuller stated. According to estimates, one in every five or six infected individuals is hospitalized due to complications, she stated.

Measles is among the biggest causes of childhood death globally, Fuller added.

"We have pulled most of our staff from their routine work to assist with the outbreak response. They are working very hard and doing an amazing job," stated Administrator and Public Health Director Peggy Grigg.

"The presence of our regional epidemiologist, Jackie Dawson, has been critical to our investigation efforts … we ask that the public check their immunization records to make sure everyone in your family is up to date on all their immunizations. Also, if you are showing symptoms of a rash-like illness, contact your health care provider to set up an appointment to be evaluated."

The health district cautioned that individuals should not show up at their health care facility without first calling ahead, as measles is easily transmitted in many indoor settings.

Staff at Grant County Health District and the Region 7 Public Health Epidemiologist are working with health care facilities and providers to ensure the precautions are in place for visitors with rash-like illnesses, Fuller stated. In addition, health care facilities are ensuring that staff caring for patients do not get the measles, she stated.

The health district requested schools, childcare facilities and preschools in Grant County review the immunization records of students. The agency recommended staff and students receive up-to-date immunizations as soon as possible, if they do not have the recommended two doses of MMR.

"I personally want to thank the community for their cooperation during this outbreak," stated Grant County Health Officer Dr. Alexander Brzezny.