King, Pierce health departments warn of possible measles exposure

Health departments in Pierce and King counties are warning of a possible measles exposure in over a dozen locations spanning both counties.

A Pierce County man in his 40s spent time at a number of public locations while contagious.

So far, this single case has not been linked to any others. It is not known where the man contracted measles.

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Measles is a highly contagious and potentially severe disease that causes fever, rash, cough, and red, watery eyes. It mainly spreads through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes.

Anyone who was in the locations of potential exposure to measles around the times listed below should find out if they have been vaccinated for measles or have had measles previously.

Call a healthcare provider promptly if they develop an illness with fever or illness with an unexplained rash between May 13-31.

“Measles is a cause for serious concern for anyone who does not have immunity,” said Anthony L-T Chen, MD, MPH, Director of Health, Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. “We urge those people to determine if they were at any of the locations where they may have been exposed to measles. Children and adults who are up-to-date with their measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations are very well protected and not considered at risk, even at places of possible exposure to measles,” Chen said.

To avoid possibly spreading measles, patients should not go to a clinic or hospital without calling first to tell them they want to be evaluated for measles.

Locations of potential exposure to measles in Pierce and King Counties