Measles Is Back in Washington: Here’s What Parents Need to Know
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Washington state is seeing a resurgence of a disease many people thought was a thing of the past. As of April 2, 2025, Snohomish County confirmed the third measles case in western Washington this year. While measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. back in 2000, new outbreaks are still possible—especially in communities with low vaccination rates and international travel.
What is measles—and why is it so serious?
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that spreads easily through coughing and sneezing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), if one person has measles, up to nine out of 10 of their close contacts will become infected if they’re not protected. It can even stay in the air up to two hours after an infected person is in the area.
The best defense: vaccination
The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is a powerful tool in preventing infection. Two doses provide about 97% protection, and that protection lasts a lifetime.
However, vaccination rates in Washington state aren’t where they need to be. “We need 95% of the population to be immunized to protect them, and we have fallen well below that rate,” family medicine doctor Jennifer Spence, MD, explains. “In King County, about 87% of our 2-year-olds and only 72% of 4- to 6-year-olds are immunized. It’s just not enough.”
What are the symptoms of measles in a child?
If your child shows symptoms, contact your healthcare provider right away.
Symptoms to watch for:
The early phase of the illness lasts between one and four days. Symptoms are like those of an upper respiratory infection. The most common symptoms include:
- Runny nose.
- Hacking cough.
- Pink eye (conjunctivitis).
- Fever.
After two or three days of the above, other symptoms include:
- Severe diarrhea.
- Small spots with white centers (Koplik spots) on the inside of the cheek.
- Deep, red, flat rash that starts on the face and spreads down to the torso, arms, legs and feet.
What about adults?
Adults who haven’t been vaccinated should get the two-dose MMR vaccine. If you're unsure about your vaccination status, talk to your doctor about a simple blood test to check your immunity. People born before 1957 are generally considered immune due to likely exposure during childhood.
Still on the fence about vaccines?
With measles cases back in Washington, staying up to date on vaccines is more important than ever. If you’re hesitant, talk to your healthcare provider. Years of research have proven the safety and effectiveness of vaccines. Getting vaccinated protects not only you and your family, but also the vulnerable people around you—like babies too young to be vaccinated and those with compromised immune systems.
