Measles Cases in Washington Prompt Urgent Response from Health Officials

Seattle Children’s Hospital and public health authorities in Washington state are taking proactive measures in response to a rising number of measles cases, reinforcing the critical importance of vaccination. As of now, Washington state has confirmed five measles cases for the year 2025, with the most recent case involving an unvaccinated infant who traveled internationally. The Public Health – Seattle & King County (PHSKC) has emphasized the contagious nature of measles, stating it is even more infectious than COVID-19, underscoring the need for high community immunization rates to achieve herd immunity. Experts indicate that about 95% vaccination coverage is essential to maintain herd immunity against such outbreaks. Current vaccination statistics from PHSKC reveal that only 87% of 2-year-olds and 72% of children aged 4-6 are fully vaccinated in King County. Consequently, health officials are now urging the public to ensure their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccinations are up to date, especially for vulnerable populations such as children under five years and those who are immunocompromised. Dr. Shaquita Bell, senior medical director at Seattle Children's Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic, expressed concern over potential risks as vaccination rates decline. The risks do not only apply to healthcare settings, but also to crowded environments such as airports and public transport where measles can survive airborne for up to two hours. As the modern trend of vaccine hesitancy continues to challenge public health efforts, it remains vital for communities to prioritize factual information over misinformation. Public health officials are committed to educating the community on the significance of vaccination to protect not just individual health, but also public health at large.