Local health officials said the cases are connected to an ongoing measles outbreak in South Carolina, where 434 cases have been reported since October.
EVERETT, Wash. — The Snohomish County Health Department has confirmed three new measles cases this week in local children who were exposed to a contagious family visiting from South Carolina, marking an official Snohomish County measles outbreak.
The children tested positive Wednesday, Jan. 14, after developing symptoms that included fever, cough and rash. None of the children had been vaccinated against measles.
“We’re expecting more measles cases as a result of the previous exposures as well as these new outbreak cases,” Snohomish County Health Officer Dr. James Lewis said. “We are hoping to contain it, but unfortunately there have been a number of exposure sites already and there are likely more cases in the community that we do not know about yet.”
Lewis said he consulted with the Washington State Department of Health before declaring the outbreak. Public health officials define an outbreak as three or more related measles cases spreading from person to person within the same community.
Link to South Carolina outbreak
Local health officials said the cases are connected to an ongoing measles outbreak in South Carolina, where 434 cases have been reported since October, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Health.
Last week, Snohomish County Health Department and Public Health – Seattle & King County were notified that three members of a South Carolina family — one adult and two children — were infectious while visiting King and Snohomish counties from Dec. 27, 2025, through Jan. 1, 2026.
The family visited multiple locations in Everett, Marysville and Mukilteo while contagious, but before being diagnosed. They also traveled through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and visited a nearby car rental facility.
New public exposure locations
Health officials released additional exposure locations connected to the newly confirmed cases. Anyone who was at these sites during the listed times could have been exposed.
Jan. 9, 2026, 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. — Pathfinder Kindergarten Center (Mukilteo School District), 11401 Beverly Park Rd., Everett
Jan. 9, 2026, 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. — Serene Lake Elementary School (Mukilteo School District), 4709 Picnic Point Rd., Edmonds
Jan. 13, 2026, 1:10 p.m. to 3:10 p.m. — Swedish Mill Creek Campus, 13020 Meridian Ave. S., Everett
Health officials said these time windows include the estimated time the infected individuals were present, plus two additional hours. The measles virus can remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.
A full list of exposure sites linked to the visiting family is available in the county’s Jan. 8 media release.
Risk to the public
Officials emphasized that most people in the region are protected through vaccination, making the overall risk to the general public low.
The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella, is considered safe and highly effective, offering about 97 percent protection after two doses.
If you are unsure of your vaccination status or are not immune, health officials recommend getting vaccinated as soon as possible.
“We’re concerned about the health and safety of our Snohomish County children,” Health Department Director Kim Van Pelt said. “Measles is a serious disease that often brings unpleasant symptoms, and in rare cases swelling of the brain and even death.”
What to do if you may have been exposed
Health officials urge anyone who may have been at the listed locations to take the following steps:
• Check whether you have received the recommended number of MMR vaccine doses or previously had measles.
• Contact a healthcare provider immediately if you develop fever, rash or other symptoms.
• Call ahead before visiting a clinic or hospital to avoid potentially exposing others.
• Limit contact with others, especially people without known immunity.
About measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that causes fever, rash, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. If one person has measles, up to nine out of 10 unprotected people nearby can become infected.
The disease spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. People can transmit measles before they realize they are sick.
The incubation period is typically 10 to 14 days, with a range of seven to 21 days. For those exposed at the schools, symptoms could appear through Jan. 30. For those exposed at Swedish Mill Creek, symptoms could appear through Feb. 3.
Measles can lead to ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, and in rare cases, encephalitis or death.
Those at highest risk of complications include infants, children under 5, adults over 20, pregnant people and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Anyone in these high-risk groups who may have been exposed is urged to contact a healthcare provider immediately.
PNW Daily will continue to report on this breaking situation.
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