Measles: What you should know

Following recent confirmed cases of measles in our region, Newport Hospital and Health Services is taking proactive steps to promote a healthy community. This includes general education as well as what NHHS visitors can expect when they are experiencing measles symptoms.

How to know if you are at risk for measles

What are the symptoms of measles?

Measles is highly contagious and can spread quickly. Symptoms usually show up 7-14 days after exposure. These include:

  • High fever
  • Cough
  • Watery eyes
  • Runny nose
  • Full-body rash

Measles can cause serious health problems, including pneumonia, brain swelling, and death.

How might I be exposed to measles?

Measles spreads to people without immunity very quickly. It can stay in the air up to 2 hours. If you’ve been near a known outbreak or traveled to countries where measles is common, exposure is more likely.

How can I be protected against measles?

Most children and adults are protected against measles if:

  • They’ve received two doses of the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella)
  • They’ve had measles before
  • They were born before 1957 (it’s likely that adults born before this date were exposed to measles as children)

What to do if you think you may have measles

When to see a doctor

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of measles, it’s time to see a doctor. Because the disease is highly contagious, it’s important to call ahead.

What should I expect when visiting NHHS with measles symptoms

Newport Community Hospital and Newport Health Center are committed to providing you with timely, quality care while protecting others who may be at risk. To promote community safety, we ask that you:

  • Call before entering: Whether you have an appointment or not, you will be asked to call 509.447.2441 before entering the building. You may be asked to wait in your car for medical personnel to assist you.
  • Limit your support system: When entering NHHS buildings, the person experiencing symptoms may be accompanied by one loved one.
  • Mask up: You and any individual who accompanies you will be asked to wear a mask.

Treatment

The NHHS team is equipped to provide exceptional care to you and your loved ones. This includes the ability to provide a measles test, if ordered by your healthcare provider.

How does the measles test work?

If a measles test has been ordered by your doctor, a healthcare provider will collect a simple throat swab. This is then sent to our external laboratory, and results are ready in 3-5 days. We will call you with your test results as soon as they are received.

If your doctor referred you to NHHS for this test, the order can be faxed to 509.447.6397.

How much does the measles test cost?

If you have insurance, it is likely this test will be processed for payment the same way as any other typical lab test.

If you are paying for the test without insurance, the cost is $244. A 10% discount is applied for upfront payment in full.

If you have any questions about paying for a measles test, call us at 509.447.9351.

What to do if you’re concerned about measles

How can I be sure of my measles immunity status?

There are many factors that play into measles immunity. Talk to your primary care provider about your own unique situation. In most cases, the MMR vaccine is the best protection from contracting measles. According to the Washington State Department of Health, two doses of the MMR vaccine protect 97% of people from getting measles.

Protecting people who can’t be vaccinated

Some people should not get the MMR vaccine, including babies younger than 6 months and women who are pregnant. Studies show that to keep measles from spreading, 95% of a community needs to be immune or vaccinated. Vaccinating yourself helps protect those who can’t be vaccinated.

Where can I get more info about measles?

To learn more about measles, including an up-to-date list of cases in Washington state, visit the Department of Health’s measles information website. The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention also provides nationwide data and education.

NHHS is here for you

We are the Pend Oreille River Valley’s community-owned healthcare team. The staff at Newport Community Hospital, Newport Health Center, and the Express Care Clinic exist to provide exceptional, quality care. We have been serving the communities of Newport, Oldtown, Priest River, Priest Lake, and surrounding communities for more than 100 years.