Two confirmed measles cases reported in Whatcom County

Two measles cases were confirmed in Whatcom County, marking the first instances reported this year. The first infected individual has been quarantined at home since June 20, while a second case surfaced following a visit to the Family Care Network’s Urgent Care Center on June 18. Health officials caution that anyone present at the center during that time could be at risk for infection, particularly those who are unvaccinated. The measles virus can remain airborne for up to two hours, and approximately 90% of unprotected individuals exposed will contract the virus. Symptoms may manifest between June 25 and July 9, including high fever, cough, and a characteristic rash.

Health authorities are actively contacting potentially exposed individuals to mitigate further spread. Despite the confirmed cases, officials maintain that the overall risk to the community is still low. Washington state has reported six measles cases this year, primarily concentrated in King and Snohomish Counties.