— from John Manning, Director, San Juan County Health Department —
Currently there are a total of six (6) cases of measles on San Juan Island, a Kitsap County resident diagnosed with measles was contagious during his stay in Friday Harbor, and one additional case is under investigation. Current information indicates that exposures in Friday Harbor took place as late as April 8th at numerous locations. This means local residents could develop symptoms from this outbreak as late as April 29, 2014.
Exposure dates and sites that should still be of concern include the following:
April 4, 2014:
- 8:00am-7:00pm Bakery San Juan
- 9:30am-3:00pm Friday Harbor Marina
- 11:00am-12:10am Cask and Schooner Restaurant
- 1:00pm-5:30pm San Juan County Department of Community Development and Planning
April 5, 2014:
- 10:00am-12:00pm Friday Harbor Elementary School Baseball Diamond (outdoors only)
- 1:00pm-3:30pm Friday Harbor Drug
- 12:00pm-11:30pm Cask and Schooner Restaurant
April 6, 2014:
- 9:00am-12:00pm Catholic St. Francis Church
- 3:00pm-5:15pm The Little Store at the Shell Gas Station
- 3:30pm-6:00pm Kings Market
- 5:45pm-9:45pm Palace Theatre
April 7, 2014:
- 8:15am-2:00pm Bakery San Juan
- 12:00pm-12:00am Cask and Schooner Restaurant
- 6:30pm-8:45pm China Pearl Restaurant
April 8, 2014:
- 8:00am-10:30am Life Care Center
- 8:45am-7:00pm Bakery San Juan
- 3:00pm-7:45pm Marketplace
While all the known cases have passed the infectious period, secondary cases may be present in the community. One problem with knowing for sure, is that a person is contagious for a full day before they experience symptoms.
If you become infected, the symptoms of measles will be present 7-21 days after exposure. Symptoms are high fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and a rash of tiny, red spots that starts at the head and spreads to the rest of the body. Measles is especially dangerous for children under 5 years of age, pregnant women, and immunocompromised persons.
If you are feeling sick and think you may have the measles DO NOT come to the Health Department or your medical provider without calling first. If you think you have measles you will be asked to wear a mask and may be conducted to a special room for examination.
Remember CALL FIRST before going to your health care provider or the Health Department.
Most adults born before 1957 have had measles and can be considered to be immune. If you have questions about measles you can call San Juan Health and Community Services at 378-4474.
