Officials: Flu ramping up in Clallam, Jefferson counties

A moderate flu season is “ramping up” on the North Olympic Peninsula while the statewide outbreak of measles, which has yet to appear in the region, appears to be slowing down, Jefferson County Health Officer Dr. Tom Locke said.

Locke and Clallam County Health Officer Dr. Allison Unthank said no influenza-related deaths, suspected measles cases or known measles exposures have been reported locally.

There were 50 known measles cases statewide as of Monday — 49 in Clark County and one in King County — and one in the Portland, Ore., area.

While measles is highly contagious, many of those who contracted the virus early in the outbreak are no longer spreading it, Locke said Friday.

“We’re by no means out of the woods on this,” Locke said. “It’s probably still spreading in the state, but it’s spreading more slowly.”

Measles symptoms include a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes followed by a red rash that begins on the head and spreads down the rest of the body, Clallam County health officials said.

“We’re doing a lot of work with the hospitals and the schools to prepare in case we get [a measles case], but nothing yet,” Unthank said.

Those who have measles symptoms or believe they may have been exposed to measles should phone their medical provider in advance to avoid exposing others.

Health officials stress that the measles vaccination is highly effective and remains the best protection against the virus.

“One dose of the measles vaccine is 93 percent effective at preventing measles and two doses are 97 percent effective,” Clallam County health officials said in a bulletin.

“We encourage everyone to make sure their vaccinations are up to date.”

Flu season

Meanwhile, Unthank reported an “uptick” in influenza activity in Clallam County within the past two weeks.

“We are officially in the flu season,” Unthank said.

“There’s still time to get vaccinated,” she added.

Locke said the predominate flu strain this year is H1N1, which is associated with milder symptoms than the more common H3N2 strain.

“It’s ramping up,” Locke said.

“With each week, we’re seeing increased actively, but the increase is slower than in recent years.”

The state Department of Health in a weekly report Friday said there were 27 laboratory confirmed flu deaths in the state, none of which occurred in Clallam or Jefferson counties.

Most of those who have died from flu complications were 65 or older, Locke said.

Locke said intensity of the flu season in the Pacific Northwest is “fairly low compared to other areas of the country.”

“This is still early in the flu season,” he added.

Health officials have said the best way to avoid the flu is to get vaccinated.

Other suggested preventative measures include covering coughs, frequent hand washing and staying home when you’re sick.

________

Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56450, or at rollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.