Supporting individuals at every stage of life—from infancy through adulthood

Across the globe and right here in the Pacific Northwest, we are seeing a trend that many healthcare providers hoped we had left in the past: the return of measles.

My appreciation for more natural and integrative approaches to health began in Europe. My aunt was a pharmacist in Austria, and during summers spent with her, I saw a very different model of medical care—one that incorporated herbal medicine and homeopathy alongside conventional treatments. Those experiences planted the seed for a broader view of healing. As of February 2026, the United States has already seen 1,136 confirmed cases. To put that in perspective, after only two months into the year, and have already reached nearly half of the total cases recorded in ALL of 2025. While King County currently maintains strong vaccination rates, we are seeing clusters in neighboring counties like Snohomish, Clark, Stevens, and Kittitas.

After completing my undergraduate studies in philosophy, I knew that pursuing a career in academia wasn’t for me and that I wanted to pursue medicine. As I explored my options, I spoke with many of my father’s colleagues and frequently heard about burnout and frustration with the direction of conventional medical practice. At Village Medicine, we believe in proactive health. Understanding why this is happening and knowing how to spot the signs is the best way to keep our community safe.

Why is Measles Coming Back?

The resurgence is largely due to a dip in “herd immunity.” To effectively stop measles from spreading, a community needs about a 95% vaccination rate. Recently, global and local coverage has slipped to around 76%.

In an international hub like Seattle, people are constantly traveling. When immunity levels drop, the virus finds a foothold. As a Naturopathic Physician, I often talk with parents about “natural immunity.” However, the risks associated with measles—including its ability to “erase” the immune system’s memory of other diseases—make vaccination a vital tool for long-term health.

How to Identify Measles: The “Three Cs”

Measles is much more than just a fever and a rash. It is a respiratory virus that can make children (and adults) feel significantly ill.

The primary symptoms include:

• High Fever: Often the first sign.
  • • The Three Cs:
      1. Cough
      2. Coryza (A heavy, “faucet-like” runny nose)
      3. Conjunctivitis (Red, watery, inflamed eyes)
• Koplik Spots: Small, pale white or bluish-gray spots that appear inside the mouth (on the inner cheek) before the rash starts.
• The Signature Rash: Unlike other childhood rashes (like Roseola or Scarlet Fever), the measles rash typically starts at the hairline or face and travels downward to the rest of the body. It often looks “angry,” deep red, and can be bumpy.

Why We Take It Seriously: The Long-Term Risks

Measles isn’t just a week of discomfort; it can have lasting “sequela” or complications: 1. Immune Amnesia: Measles can actually “reset” a child’s immune system, making them vulnerable to other illnesses they were previously protected against for months or even years.
2. Encephalitis: About 1 in 1,000 children with measles develops brain swelling, which can lead to permanent damage or hearing loss.
3. SSPE: A very rare but fatal central nervous system disease called Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis can develop 7 to 10 years after a person has recovered from measles.

Keeping Our Clinic Safe

I hope patients know that they can expect thoughtful, relationship-based care that is individualized and collaborative. My goal is for patients to feel heard, supported, and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Measles is incredibly contagious. If an infected person sits in a waiting room, the virus can live in the air for up to two hours after they leave.

To protect our newborn patients, elderly clients, and those with weakened immune systems, we ask for your help:

• Call First: If you or your child has a fever combined with a new rash and cough, please do not walk directly into the clinic.
• Virtual Triage: We may schedule a virtual visit first to assess the symptoms safely.
• Screening: Our front desk team may ask extra questions about recent travel and vaccination status during check-in to ensure we are triaging patients
  correctly.

Our Naturopathic Perspective

At Village Medicine, we meet our patients where they are. We understand there are many questions regarding vaccinations. However, the “real talk” is that we want to prevent the severe complications we are seeing in hospitals today. Vaccination is the most effective way to ensure your child doesn’t have to suffer through the high fevers and potential long-term risks of this virus.

Stay safe, stay informed, and let’s keep Seattle healthy.

* This post was originally printed in the Village Medicine Seattle’s Wellness Quarterly Magazine, 2Q26 Edition. Read and download the full publication

About The Author

Dr. Kristina Olson-Kuyper is a Naturopathic Physician and practitioner at Village Medicine Seattle. Kristina works closely with patients to educate, empower, and guide them toward lasting wellness. Her approach is rooted in compassionate listening, collaboration, and a deep respect for each person’s health journey. Learn more about Dr. Kristina