Measles Advisory for Health Care Providers

Posted June 2, 2025. Past health advisories and alerts are archived for historical purposes and are not maintained or updated.

• 10 cases of measles have been identified in Washington state in 2025 with 1,227 nationwide in 37 states.
• Exposure to most recent cases would most likely show symptoms between 6/21 and 7/13.
• Best protection is to obtain the MMR vaccine series.
• Be prepared to follow infection prevention measures, including immediate isolation and masking of any patient suspected of having measles.
• Contact SRHD and utilize the Measles Assessment Quicksheet for Providers if you suspect measles.

From January 1 through June 25, 2025, 10 cases of measles have been confirmed in King, Snohomish and Whatcom Counties. All 10 cases of measles have been associated with international travel or close contacts and have NOT been linked to an ongoing outbreak in the state at this time. Secondary cases linked to the most recent cases in Whatcom and King Counties, if they occur, would most likely become sick between June 21 and July 13, 2025.

More details on the recent cases and potential exposure locations can be found on Whatcom County and Public Health Seattle-King County webpages. A full list of all of the measles cases identified in Washington in 2025 can be found on the Measles Activity and Surveillance section of the Washington State DOH Measles webpage.

In addition to measles, there are other types of rash illnesses spreading in Washington. WA DOH recommends that all providers in Washington are familiar with signs and symptoms of measles, and understand the process for reporting, testing, and responding to cases of measles in your jurisdiction.

Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by the measles virus. Measles can cause severe health complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and death. This year alone, 12% of reported measles cases in the United States have been hospitalized. MMR vaccination remains the best way to protect against measles and its complications, with 2 doses of MMR vaccine 97% effective in preventing measles infections. 

From January 1 through June 24, 2025, the CDC has recorded 1,227 cases of measles across the United States including three deaths. 37 states have reported cases, including Washington State. The majority of these cases (89%) have been linked to 23 outbreaks of measles (defined as three or more cases that share common exposures).

Be familiar with the signs and symptoms of measles:

1. Fever (≥101 °F or 38.3 °C), and
2. Rash (maculopapular), which [typically starts after 2 – 4 days of initial symptoms], appearing on the head/face, then spreading downwards, and
3. At least one of the following prodromal symptoms (sometimes called the “3 Cs“):

• Cough
• Conjunctivitis (red eyes)
• Coryza (runny nose)

Immediately isolate and mask any patient suspected of measles. Measles is a highly infectious viral disease which can be spread through air in waiting rooms and other public spaces. Please also follow DOH guidance on Preventing Measles in Health Care Settings.

• If a patient with symptoms of measles visits your facility and is later confirmed as a case of measles, public health may ask your facility for information about other patients and staff who were exposed to the patient.
• Health care providers should use a high quality, well-fitting respirator like an N95 when caring for patients suspected of having measles.

Immediately notify Spokane Regional Health District of any suspected cases of measles.

• Health care providers are legally required to immediately report suspected cases of measles to Spokane Regional Health District. These reports should be made by phone at 509.869.3133, at any time of day or night, including weekends and holidays.
• Utilize this Measles Assessment Quicksheet for Providers.

Testing for measles is available at the Washington State DOH Public Health Laboratories (PHL). 

• Providers must first get approval to submit specimens to PHL by working with SRHD. Instructions for specimens going to PHL are on page 2 of Measles Assessment Quicksheet for Providers
• Washington State DOH has updated the MMR Specimen Testing Protocol document that provides instructions for specimen submission and testing at PHL. The document also includes expected turn-around times for results. 

MMR vaccination remains the most important tool for preventing measles infections.

1. Ensure all patients without evidence of immunity are up to date on MMR vaccine.
2. Ensure that patients who are planning to travel internationally (regardless of the destination) or domestically (to outbreak areas) are fully vaccinated at least 2 weeks before departure.

• Infants under 12 months who are traveling internationally should receive an early dose at 6 through 11 months, another dose at 12-15 months, and a final dose at least 28 days later (typically 4 through 6 years).

3. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is available for measles after exposure to a confirmed case.

• Measles PEP includes MMR vaccine (administered within 72 hours of exposure) and measles immune globulin (IG, administered up to 6 days of exposure)
• Washington State DOH has developed a Measles Post-Exposure Prophylaxis guide for contacts of confirmed cases of measles. Infants, pregnant persons, and severely immunocompromised individuals should be carefully assessed for PEP.

Please contact the Spokane Regional Health District Communicable Disease at 509-324-1442 or cdepi@srhd.org with any questions or concerns. 

To report suspected cases, please call reports to 509.324.1442 during work hours or to 509.869.3133 after hours.