Measles actions for health providers

Actions requested

• Isolate

  • Have a planned triage process for patients with fever and rash so these patients are not waiting in common areas with other people. 
  • Patients with rash and fever should not stay in waiting rooms or other common areas. 
  • Immediately isolate patients with suspected measles in an airborne infection isolation room (AIIR) or a private room with a closed door. 
  • Follow standard and airborne precautions when evaluating suspected cases, regardless of vaccination status.
  • After patient is discharged, do not use or have staff enter the room for 2 hours.
• Notify

  • Report suspected measles cases to Public Health at 206-296-4774 immediately AND before discharging or transferring patients.
  • Public Health will ensure appropriate, rapid testing and investigation.
• Test

  • Collect the following specimens on patients with suspected measles:
    • Nasopharyngeal swab placed in viral transport media; AND
    • Urine, minimum 20mL, in sterile leak proof container; AND
    • Serum, minimum 1mL, in red top or red-grey top tube
  • Public Health will facilitate diagnostic testing with Washington State Public Health Laboratory (WAPHL).
• Manage

  • Health care facilities should identify potentially exposed persons at the facility (patients, visitors, staff, and volunteers). 
  • Public Health will identify close contacts and recommend post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for eligible people.
• Vaccinate

  • Assess immunization status during healthcare visits at every visit and strongly recommend measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination based on the recommended schedule, health condition, occupation, and other risk factors such as travel.
  • Under-vaccinated individuals may be at risk for measles infection due to outbreaks that occur in the US or anywhere else in the world.