Clark County Measles: 2 Cases Confirmed, 11 More Suspected

VANCOUVER, WA - Clark County Public Health on Tuesday confirmed its investigation into two more confirmed cases of measles and 11 more suspected cases in the Vancouver-Portland metro region.

One previously confirmed case involving a child who traveled to Clark County from outside the United States was announced Jan. 4. Whether that child was immunized against measles is unclear.

The two new cases reported Jan. 15 involve two unvaccinated children, one between 1 and 10 years old and the other between 11 and 18 years old, health officials said, noting the children visited at least two public locations while they were still contagious.

Anyone who may have been to either of the following locations at the dates and times listed below may have been exposed to measles:

• Church of Truth, 7250 N.E. 41st St., from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 6.
• Portland International Airport, 7000 N.E. Airport Way, from 10:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 7.
  • This applies specifically to anyone who spent time in Concourse D and/or the Delta Sky Lounge during that time period.

If you believe you've been exposed or are currently experiencing symptoms associated with the measles virus, contact a healthcare provider immediately.

Health officials on Tuesday could not confirm whether the two new cases were connected to the Jan. 4 case. Likewise, they could not confirm any connection to the 11 suspected cases either.

To follow the Clark County Public Health measles investigation, visit Clark.WA.gov/public-health/measles-investigation.

Highly contagious and potentially serious, measles can be spread through the air by a cough or sneeze from an infected person. In fact, an infected person could spread the virus before even knowing they themselves are ill.

Symptoms of a measles infection include fever, coughing, runny nose and red eyes, followed by a full-body rash that typically begins at the head. Measles is contagious for up to four days before and after the rash appears.

To best protect yourself and your family from infection public heath officials advise immunization.

"One dose of the measles vaccine is about 93 percent effective at preventing measles," CCPH officials said, citing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Two doses are about 97 percent effective."

Perhaps obviously, unvaccinated people are at the greatest risk of infection, followed by infants younger than 1 year. Children younger than 5 and adults older than 20 stand the greatest chance of experiencing measles complications, which can include ear and/or lung infections and diarrhea. Though it's rarely recorded, brain swelling is also a possible albeit more serious complication that can arise.

Folks who are likely protected include those who were born before 1957, those who've already had measles in their life, and those who are up-to-date on their measles vaccines; e.g., children between 1 and 3 years old who've gotten one dose, and children 4 years and older who've gotten two doses.

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