Currently there are four suspected cases and one confirmed case of measles on San Juan Island. Measles is highly contagious; confirmation of the suspected cases will clearly indicate that the disease is being spread in the local community. The best protection against measles is the MMR vaccine. You should be sure now that your children are fully immunized. If you are unsure check with your health care provider or San Juan County Health Department at 378-4474.

During this outbreak, if you or your child is older than 12 months of age AND have not received a dose of MMR vaccine, you should be vaccinated now.

If you or your child are older than 12 months of age AND have received one dose of MMR vaccine AND it has been more than 28 days since that dose you should now receive a second dose of MMR vaccine.

Most adults born before 1957 had measles and can be considered to be immune.

Exposure to the confirmed case occurred at the following times and locations:

The Bean Cafe

March 23 from 3 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.

Cask and Schooner on:

March 21 from 3:45 p.m. until 12 midnight

March 22 from 3:45 p.m. until 1:15 a.m.

March 23 from 4 p.m. until 12 midnight

March 24 from 2:45 p.m. until 12 midnight

China Pearl (upstairs bar only):

March 22 from 11:30 p.m. until 3am

King’s Market on:

March 24 from 2 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.

If you were at any of the above locations on the mentioned dates, and either don’t have or are unsure if you have immunity, please contact your health care provider or the San Juan CountyHealth Department at (360)378-4474. The San Juan County Health Department will be available to address any concerns or answer any questions.