Hoopzo.com | Clark Co. Health: Measles outbreak grows to 47 confirmed, 7 suspected cases

Clark Co. Health: Measles outbreak grows to 47 confirmed, 7 suspected cases

February 3, 2019

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VANCOUVER, Wash. – Health officials confirmed four more measles cases as the Clark County outbreak continues to grow, making for 47 confirmed cases and seven suspected cases since the beginning of the year.

Officials said they have not found any other possible exposure sites that the patients visited while contagious. | FULL LIST OF EXPOSURE SITES

According to officials, 41 of the patients were not immunized, five weren’t verified to have had the vaccine, and one patient had the first dose of the vaccine.

The CDC says one dose of the MMR vaccine is 93 percent effective, while having two doses of the vaccine is 97 percent effective. Children typically receive the first MMR vaccine at one year to 15 months old, and the second dose from 4 to 6 years of age.

Clark County Public Health said most of the patients are children under 10 years old, 12 cases involve kids ages 11-18 and one case is in an adult between the ages of 19 and 29.

“Measles can be so contagious that you can be in a room, and if you’re susceptible, two hours after someone with measles left, and still get the disease,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, the director of public health for Clark County.

Measles symptoms begin with a mild fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed by a rash.

If you or your child show signs of measles, call your health care provider before coming in so they can limit exposing anyone else in the waiting room.

Call your local health department with any other questions about measles: