New measles case had possible public exposure in Kenmore

A Seattle Children’s Hospital nurse is the latest diagnosed bringing this year’s case count up to 11 residents and two non-resident in King County.

A Seattle Children’s Hospital nurse, a woman in her 20s, is the latest diagnosed with the measles — drumming the King County 2019 case count up to 11 residents and two non-residents.

The nurse who works in the hospital’s inpatient unit had been in contact with another person diagnosed with measles and in the appropriate isolation, Seattle Children’s said in a statement. The nurse was fully vaccinated and wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment.

“The safety of our patients and staff is our highest priority,” the statement reads. “We are in the process of notifying patients, families and staff who may have been exposed, providing information about exposure dates, disease symptoms and offering preventative treatment if necessary.”

The nurse reported spending time in Kenmore on July 10, while potentially infectious. She may have been contagious while at the Safeway at 6850 Northeast Bothell Way from 8:30-11 a.m., according to Public Health — Seattle and King County.

The woman may have also been infectious while at the Seattle Children’s Hospital, while visiting a Starbucks in the hospital and at the Metropolitan Market Sand Point. A full list of potential exposure sites can be found here.

People at these places at the listed times may have been exposed to the measles virus, which remains in the air for up to two hours after an infectious person leaves.

“Measles cases continue to occur in King County, which means we face an ongoing risk of outbreaks among people who don’t have immunity,” said Jeff Duchin, health officer for Public Health, in a news release.

Duchin said the measles vaccine is a safe and effective protection against the illness. For those unsure of their vaccination status, it’s best to see a health care provider.

Those who think they may have the measles should determine their vaccination status, or if they’ve had the measles before. They should call a health care provider if they develop an illness with fever or rash and not visit the clinic without first calling.