A 3D representation of the measles virus
Clark County Public Health’s latest report on the ongoing measles outbreak shows 53 total confirmed cases.
The agency’s Friday update included that seven cases were suspected. Since The Reflector’s last report only one new site for possible exposure was confirmed — a previous exposure possibility on Feb. 4 at The Vancouver Clinic Salmon Creek was removed as the proper preventative measures were in place in that instance.
New exposure times and places
Sea Mar Medical Clinic East Vancouver, 19005 SE 34th St., Vancouver from 1:50 to 5:50 pm Tuesday, Feb. 5.
Measles: what to know
Those who may have been exposed and believe they have measles symptoms are asked to contact their healthcare provider prior to visiting their offices to avoid more exposure.
Public Health is requiring the exclusion of students and staff without documented immunity to measles from schools identified as possible exposure sites. The exclusion does not apply to students and staff at schools where measles exposure did not occur.
Those with the disease are contagious for four days before a rash appears and up to four days after the rash appears, according to Public Health. The department noted that children younger than 5 and adults older than 20 were most likely to suffer complications including lung and ear infections, diarrhea and in rare cases swelling of the brain.
Public health did note some likely immune groups, such as those born before 1957, those who are certain they have already had the disease and those up-to-date on vaccines — one dose for children up to four years old and two doses for those four and older.
Learn more
Public Health has established a call center for questions about the investigation: (360) 397-8021. Hours are 9 am to 5 p.m. daily, including weekends. There is also a website which, among other things, features an up-to-date list of potential exposure locations: clark.wa.gov/public-health/measles-investigation.
Anyone with questions about measles infection or the measles vaccine should call their primary care provider or Clark County Public Health, (360) 397-8021.
