Measles Outbreak: A Growing Concern in Snohomish County
SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Washington — Alarmingly, the Snohomish County Health Department has reported three additional cases of measles linked to a family visiting from South Carolina who was contagious. This development signals that the disease is now spreading within the local community.
On Wednesday, January 14, health officials confirmed that three children had tested positive for the measles virus, with symptoms including fever, cough, and rashes typical of the illness. Importantly, none of these children had received vaccinations against measles.
Dr. James Lewis, the Snohomish County Health Officer, expressed concern about the potential for more cases to arise due to prior exposures and the current outbreak. "We anticipate seeing further measles cases stemming from earlier contacts as well as these new infections," he stated. Dr. Lewis emphasized the hope for containment but acknowledged that multiple exposure sites have been identified, suggesting there may be additional undiscovered cases within the community.
Fortunately, the health department reassured the public that the majority of individuals possess immunity to measles through vaccination, which means the risk to the wider population remains low. Prior to deeming this situation an "outbreak," the state health department was consulted for guidance.
Last week, it was revealed that one adult and two children from the visiting family were infectious while they traveled through King and Snohomish counties between December 27, 2025, and January 1, 2026. The places they frequented during that period include:
- McDonald’s in Everett (530 128th St. SW) on December 27 from 1 PM to 3 PM
- Slavic Christian Church Awakening in Mukilteo on December 28 from 2 PM to 6:30 PM
- Flying Squirrel Trampoline Park on SE Everett Mall Way on December 29 from 11 AM to 2 PM
- Chick-fil-A in Marysville (8810 36th Ave) on December 29 from 1 PM to 3 PM
- Mukilteo-Clinton Ferry on December 30 from 1 PM to 3 PM
- Fisherman Jack’s (1410 Seiner Dr. in Everett) on December 30 from 6 PM to 9:30 PM
- Passengers using rental car shuttles to and from the airport and the Consolidated Rental Car Facility (3150 S 160th, SeaTac) on January 1 between 6 AM and 9 AM
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, specifically the North Concourse (Gate N4) and the Green Train Line on January 1 from 7 AM to 11:15 AM.
As for the recent cases involving local children, potential exposure may have occurred at the following locations and times:
- Stellar Kids Dentistry (111 SE Everett Mall Way, Everett, WA 98208) on January 8, 2026, from 12:30 PM to 2 PM
- Pathfinder Kindergarten Center (Mukilteo School District, 11401 Beverly Park Rd, Everett, WA 98204) on January 9, 2026, from 8:30 AM to 5:15 PM
- Serene Lake Elementary School (Mukilteo School District, 4709 Picnic Park Rd in Everett, WA 98026) on January 9, 2026, from 8:30 AM to 5:15 PM
- Swedish Mill Creek Campus medical facility (13020 Meridian Ave. S., Everett, WA, 98208) on January 13, 2026, from 1:10 PM to 3:10 PM
It's crucial to note that measles can be transmitted even before individuals are aware that they are infected and before any rash appears.
This outbreak raises important questions about public health measures and vaccination rates. As we continue to monitor this situation, what are your thoughts on how communities should respond to such outbreaks? Share your views in the comments!
