| Health Advisory -- August 24, 2006
Imported Measles case from Guangzhou, China
A Washington State resident was recently diagnosed with measles after returning from Guangzhou, China. The patient traveled on July 26th while infectious on a commercial air flight from China to Los Angeles and then to Seattle. The case’s estimated infectious period is between July 25th and August 2nd. The typical incubation period for measles from exposure to rash onset is 12 to 14 days with a maximum incubation period as long as 21 days. Therefore, persons exposed would likely have become ill by August 23rd. The Center’s for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Global Migration and Quarantine is identifying additional contacts on affected flights.
Though no other cases of measles have been reported in Washington State during this time period, it is possible that unrecognized measles infections have occurred because cases did not seek medical care; cases were not recognized as measles when they sought medical care, and/or; measles cases have been diagnosed clinically and not reported to public health agencies (The known case made three visits to a health-care facility and was admitted before measles was considered).
Please have a raised index of suspicion for measles in patients presenting with the following symptoms:
- High fever, photophobia, and maculopapular rash (typically starting at the hairline and spreading down the body), preceded by a 2 to 4 day prodrome of fever, cough, coryza, and conjunctivitis
Measles is immediately reportable to Public Health upon suspicion (prior to testing). Please report suspect cases while the patient is still in the facility so that expedited testing and contact tracing can be begin as soon as possible. Contact Public Health, day or night by calling (206) 296-4774.
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