Clarification on 01/31/19 Measles Public Health Messages

East Wenatchee, WA – The purpose of yesterday’s public health messages via news release and letter from Chelan-Douglas Public Health Officer, Dr. Collins, was to inform schools and communities that unimmunized students and staff will be excluded if we have measles cases in our area. Washington Administrative Code 246-105-080, authorizes schools (public or private), child care centers, or the local Health Officer to exclude any child or staff who does not have appropriate documentation of immunity against measles. However, there have not been any confirmed cases in Chelan or Douglas County, so students and staff are not currently being excluded from school or child care.

Public Health will work with schools and child care centers as the situation develops. Once a measles outbreak begins, there are usually 2nd and 3rd generation cases over the following weeks, and they may appear anywhere in the state or beyond. So, it will be some weeks before we know how much the outbreak will affect our counties. Public Health, along with schools, child care, and health care providers are simply preparing in case further actions are needed.

Additional Resources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Washington State Department of Health

Chelan-Douglas Health District

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