WASHINGTON STATE – Amidst a concerning measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico that has resulted in the first measles-related death in the United States in a decade, Washington state health officials are urging residents to prioritize vaccinations and remain vigilant.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the recent death, highlighting the resurgence of a disease largely considered preventable. In Washington state, the Snohomish County Health Department is closely monitoring the situation.

“We have not seen an uptick yet in Washington, but it’s certainly possible that we could end up seeing an uptick in cases just as some places in the country have,” said Dr. James Lewis, a health officer with the Snohomish County Health Department.

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has reported six confirmed measles cases in 2024. Dr. Lewis also confirmed that there have been two instances of measles exposures in the state this year, emphasizing that prior immunity from vaccinations likely prevented those exposures from resulting in infections.

“None of those exposures ended in disease, and that’s likely due to prior immunity,” Dr. Lewis stated. “If a person is fully vaccinated against measles, that’s two doses of them.”

Parents in the region are expressing varying levels of concern. David Schoen, a local parent, articulated strong support for vaccinations, saying, “It’s low risk, high reward, keeping your kids' eyesight and health. It’s not worth it to go your own way.”

According to CDC data, approximately 91.3% of children in Washington state were vaccinated during the 2023-2024 school year. However, some parents, like Christopher J. Zarati, express less worry. “If something was to happen, I mean, there’s nothing I can really do about it,” Zarati said. “Vaccines are not 100%. I mean, that’s with every vaccine, so unfortunately, if it happens, it happens.”

Health officials reiterate that vaccination remains the most effective defense against measles. The DOH emphasizes the importance of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, noting a decline in vaccination rates since the pandemic. In 2023, only about 75% of Washington children aged 19-35 months were up-to-date on their MMR vaccinations. Public Health – Seattle & King County reports that an estimated 87% of 2-year-olds in King County have received at least one dose of the MMR vaccine.

“It’s never too late to get it,” health officials said, urging residents to ensure they and their children are fully vaccinated. They highlight the risk of severe complications from measles, particularly for young children. Health organizations will continue to monitor the spread of measles, and continue to educate the public on the importance of vaccination.