Measles is a highly contagious illness that can cause serious complications, especially in young children. A measles outbreak has been declared in Snohomish County following three confirmed cases in children. Families can visit the Washington State Department of Health’s interactive exposure map to see where potential exposures have occurred. The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is the only proven way to prevent measles and is up to 97% effective.
What should I do if I think my child might have measles?
If your child was exposed or develops symptoms of measles—starting with a fever, followed by a cough, runny nose, fatigue, and red eyes, and then a rash that begins on the head and spreads downward—please schedule a Virtual Visit. Do not bring your child to the office as we need to prevent exposure to other patients. A Virtual Visit provider can evaluate your child and arrange testing if necessary.
Can my child receive the MMR vaccine early?
It is recommended that children receive the first dose of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine at 12 months of age and a second dose at 4 years old. However, due to the current outbreak, the Washington State Department of Health is now recommending that children ages 1-4 years old who live in or visit Snohomish County receive an early second dose of the MMR vaccine. If your child qualifies for this early second dose, please schedule an immunization appointment online, or book a Well Care Check-up if your child is due for one.
If your child does not live in or regularly visit Snohomish County, they should continue to follow the routine immunization schedule, including MMR doses at 12 months and 4 years.
Can my child receive the first or second dose of MMR early if we are traveling to high-risk areas?
Due to the global resurgence of measles, infants 6-11 months who travel internationally or to any U.S. city currently experiencing an outbreak should get an extra dose of MMR. At this age, the protection will wear off, and your child will still need two doses starting at 12 months, but you will be able to lower your child’s risk during travel. Likewise, if your child is 13 months or older and traveling outside the U.S. and it has been > 4 weeks since their first dose of MMR, it is recommended to receive the booster dose early to protect against the higher risk of being exposed. This booster dose will not need to be repeated.
Wasn’t measles eliminated?
In 2000, the United States declared measles eradicated because we had not seen any cases for more than 12 months. This means that most of us have not worried about measles for the past twenty years. Unfortunately, we are experiencing a global resurgence. In 2023, measles cases rose 79% (9 million) and measles deaths rose 43% (136,000), mostly among children. We live in a global society so continue to see increases in the U.S. In 2025, the U.S. set a record with more than 2,000 measles cases in 44 health jurisdictions. 11% of these cases were hospitalized and 3 children died. So far in 2026, the rate of new cases has not slowed with another 171 confirmed infections in 9 states as of January 14, fueled by holiday travel.
Isn’t my child protected from herd immunity?
Not anymore. Too many families have not yet vaccinated their children, so Washington state vaccination rates have now fallen below the herd immunity protection levels. Community vaccination rates must be above 95% for herd immunity to occur, in which it is difficult for the measles virus to spread beyond the few unvaccinated individuals who are initially exposed.
How could my child catch measles?
Measles is spread through droplets in the air that can last up to two hours after an infected person has left a room. It is among the most contagious viruses that exist, causing 9 of 10 unvaccinated people who are exposed to get sick. The incubation period is 21 days, so people can pass along the germ before they develop symptoms.
What are the symptoms of measles?
Most people develop fever first. This is followed by a cough, runny nose, fatigue, and red eyes. Some people get diarrhea. Finally, a rash develops starting at the head and spreading downward to the rest of the body.
Why the fuss?
While most people experience a few weeks of illness with the cough usually lasting 10 days and the rash a week, it can cause serious health complications such as infection/inflammation of the lungs, eyes, heart, and nervous system. Measles can cause autoimmune disorders, blindness, deafness, and death.
What treatments exist for measles?
No antiviral medication exists to treat measles.
Can Vitamin A prevent measles?
There is no scientific evidence that Vitamin A prevents measles. The MMR vaccine is the only proven method of prevention, with two doses being 97% effective. Vitamin A is used as supportive care for children diagnosed with measles to help reduce the risk of severe complications. Currently, there is no cure for measles. Additionally, because Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, excessive amounts can accumulate in the body and cause harm.
How can I protect my family?
The MMR vaccine is safe and effective. The measles virus is very stable (unlike flu or COVID that mutate frequently), so immunity is for life. Routine vaccination should occur at 12 months of age with one booster at 4 years old.
Does MMR cause autism?
This myth has been thoroughly debunked through many research trials. Evidence Shows Vaccines Unrelated to Autism. Furthermore, it has been revealed that the person who started this controversy was financially motivated and has been banned from practice in the UK.
How can I protect my child who can’t yet be vaccinated?
Babies under 12 months, of vaccinated moms, are protected during their first year by antibodies passed to them during the pregnancy. The best protection for babies after birth is to surround them with a community that is already immune through vaccination. Make sure all household members and everyone caring for your infant on a regular basis is fully immunized. As possible, limit contact for your infant with those that have not been immunized or may not be immune to measles. Parents who were fully vaccinated as children do not need to get a booster. Adults unsure of their vaccine status should contact their primary care provider.
How can I check on my child’s MMR vaccine status?
MyIR Mobile, in partnership with the Washington State Department of Health, allows you to gain secure, anytime access to your child’s immunization records. Visit the MyIR Mobile website to sign up for an account and link your child’s information to view their immunization records.
If you have questions or concerns, please send us a secure message through your Patient Portal or call our office at (425) 827-4600.
I’m worried about sending my children to school with kids that may be unvaccinated. What steps do I need to take?
As always, we strongly recommend that everyone routinely vaccinate, wash their hands, and maintain healthy eating and sleep habits as a way of caring for yourselves and others.
Washington state law requires school age children to receive specific immunizations, including MMR, in order to attend school.
Keep Reading
View All Posts
The Importance of Routine Childhood Vaccines: What Families Need to Know
Staying informed and protected with Allegro Pediatrics.
Helping Kids Breathe Easier
By checking asthma control at every well care visit, we can identify changes early and make sure each child has the support they need to breathe comfortably and stay active.
Protecting Your Newborn from Hepatitis B
Learn why the birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine matters for every baby.