Measles: Exposed People Encouraged to Get Vaccinated

The following press release is from our partners at Clark County Public Health.  Follow their website for the latest information on this situation at:  http://www.clark.wa.gov/public-health/

Measles case confirmed in Clark County 

Exposed, susceptible persons urged to get vaccinated by February 17, 8:30 p.m.

Vancouver, WA—An infant who recently returned from an overseas trip with his family has tested positive for measles. Health officials are urging persons who may have been exposed and who are susceptible to measles to get vaccinated within 72 hours of exposure.

The infant visited the following sites in Vancouver while contagious:

·         Evergreen Pediatrics on Feb. 14

·         Southwest Washington Medical Center outpatient laboratory on Feb. 14

Who has been exposed

·         Persons who visited Evergreen Pediatrics in Vancouver on Feb. 14 between 1:30 – 6 p.m. are considered exposed to measles.

·         Anyone who entered the hallway of Southwest Washington Medical Center near the pharmacy, waited by the pharmacy, or waited or received lab work at the outpatient lab from 4:30 – 8:30 p.m.

What to do if exposed

Individuals age 12 months or older who were at either location during these times should receive a measles vaccination within 72 hours of exposure if they are susceptible to measles. 

These people should get an MMR by Feb. 17, between 1:30 – 8:30 p.m., depending on when they were exposed. Persons who are pregnant or immunocompromised can receive Immune Globulin within 6 days of exposure, or by Feb. 20 at 1:30 p.m.

Who is considered susceptible to measles?

Although most people are not susceptible, measles is highly contagious among susceptible populations. People are considered susceptible to measles unless:

·         they have laboratory confirmation by a blood test or documentation of 2 measles shots, typically given as an MMR

·         they were born before Jan. 1, 1957 (except health care and day care workers)

·         their physician has documented that they have had measles

To determine whether you are susceptible to measles, call Clark County Public Health at (360)397-8205 after 8 a.m. on Feb. 16 or call your health care provider.

About measles

Measles is a potentially serious disease characterized by a rash, fever, and one or more of the following symptoms: cough, conjunctivitis, sneezing, nasal congestion, and nasal discharge. Temperature may exceed 104 degrees F and usually falls 2-3 days after rash onset. 

Although measles cases are not commonly reported in the U.S., outbreaks can occur among populations who are unvaccinated and lack immunity.