Patient Tests Positive for Measles and Self-Screening Activated for Patients and Families

Seattle Children’s is treating a pediatric patient who has tested positive for measles. Children’s was made aware of the possible measles case before the patient arrived at the hospital.

Upon the patient’s arrival on Wednesday, June 12, Children’s Emergency Department and inpatient staff and faculty members immediately implemented appropriate infection control procedures, which included isolating the patient.

No Children’s workforce members or other patient families at Children’s were exposed.

Patients and Families Begin Self-Screening for Measles

Because of possible community exposure, Children’s Infection Prevention teams are placing measles screening signs at all Children’s clinical locations. These signs ask all patients and families to self-screen for symptoms and if they have recently traveled to areas with confirmed measles cases. If patients and families answer “yes” to both questions on the signs, they are directed to call a Security team member who will help determine if they need further assessment prior to entering the building.

Signs will remain in effect until further notice or when there are no active concerns for measles spread in the community.

About Measles

Measles is a highly contagious disease, but it is preventable with vaccines. A patient with measles can expose a large number of people within healthcare settings, so identifying potential cases early is crucial.

Measles symptoms include:

• Cough
• Eye redness
• Fever of more than 100.0° F (37.8° C).
• Rash
• Runny nose

Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about measles.

Reminders for Community Providers

• The Public Health – Seattle & King County web site lists sites of possible community exposure.
• Remind any patients and families with a fever or rash to NOT show up unannounced at Seattle Children’s.
• The arrival of any patients with measles symptoms who need care should be coordinated with Seattle Children’s Emergency Department by calling 206-987-8899 or toll free 866-987-8899.

See these tips from the Pediatric Pandemic Network for recognizing measles in your patients.