Health officials confirm Whatcom County’s first two measles cases of 2025
Whatcom County health officials recently confirmed the county’s first two cases of measles this year.
The risk to public safety is considered low, and the individuals who were diagnosed are self-isolating at home and are not considered to pose a continued risk to the community, according to WCHCS.
The best way to protect yourself and others from the measles virus is to get the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, said Dr. Meghan Lelonek, co-health officer with WCHCS.
“Getting vaccinated not only keeps you safe but also helps protect others in your community who can’t get vaccinated, like babies who are too young and people with weakened immune systems. We encourage everyone to check their vaccination records and talk to their healthcare providers if they have any questions,” Lelonek said in the release.
The person diagnosed in the second case, confirmed June 23, is a family member of the first, who tested positive June 20 and lives in the same household, according to a news release from WCHCS.
Both may have exposed others to the virus between 5 and 9 p.m. June 18 at the Family Care Network-Lynden Urgent Care at 1610 Grover St. in Lynden, according to WCHCS.
WCHCS is warning anyone who may have been at that location in the time frame that they likely were exposed to the virus.
Although health officials suspect the threat to the community remains low, nurses are attempting to contact those who may have been exposed. People who were at Family Care Network Urgent Care in Lynden are likely to get sick between June 25 and July 9, WCHCS said in the release.
Symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes and a rash that usually begins on the face before spreading to the rest of the body.
Anyone who develops symptoms is asked to remain home and call their health care provider before visiting a medical facility to reduce the risk of exposing others, according to WCHCS.
Measles is a very contagious airborne virus that can spread through coughing and sneezing.
The virus can remain active in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the room. WCHCS said 90 percent of people exposed to the virus who are not vaccinated will become ill.
Information about measles is available at the Washington Department of Health Measles page.
People can check their immunization status at myirmobile.com and find more information about their family’ s immunization records at the Washington Department of Health page.
Information on Whatcom County vaccinations can be found at the WCHCS immunizations page.
Information about measles is available at the Washington Department of Health Measles page.
People can check their immunization status at myirmobile.com and find more information about their family’ s immunization records at the Washington Department of Health page.
Information on Whatcom County vaccinations can be found at the WCHCS immunizations page.
This story was originally published June 23, 2025 at 8:49 AM.
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