The Washington State Department of Health issued a reminder this week for unvaccinated residents that it is never too late to get their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
“Measles is highly contagious, and easily spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. It is one of the leading causes of death among children worldwide,” according to a press release from the state DOH.
Last week, the Snohomish Health District confirmed that more than one person in a household tested positive for measles.
”People who are unvaccinated or are not sure if they are immune, and become sick with fever or an unexplained rash should call a health care provider right away. Always call first before going to your health care provider so people in the waiting room are not exposed,” according to the DOH.
MMR vaccination recommendations for children and adults are available at www.doh.wa.gov/YouandYourFamily/IllnessandDisease/Measles
In Washington in the 2017-2018 school year, 90.6 percent of kindergartners and 96.1 percent of 6th graders were up to date on the MMR vaccine according to the DOH.
For more information, go to www.doh.wa.gov.
