Measles Case in Clark County

FROM CLARK COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH

Exposed, susceptible persons urged to get vaccinated as soon as possible and avoid public settings from March 7 – March 20.

NOTE TO MEDIA: Clark County Health Officer Alan Melnick is available for media interviews by telephone at (360) 607-7461

Vancouver, WA—Clark County Public Health is investigating a second case of measles in a school-aged child. This child was exposed two weeks ago at the same medical facility that the first case visited following a trip to India. This second case, unrelated to the first case, was unvaccinated when exposed.
Health officials are urging persons who may have been exposed and who are unvaccinated and susceptible to measles to get vaccinated, but avoid going out in public for 7-21 days following exposure.

The child visited the 7-Eleven Grocery Store, located at 5101 NE 112th Avenue in Vancouver, WA, on Sunday, February 27, while contagious.

Who has been exposed
Persons who visited the 7-Eleven Store located at 5101 NE 112th Avenue on Feb. 27 between 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. are considered exposed to measles.

What to do if exposed
For susceptible people, measles vaccine is most effective if given within 72 hours of exposure. Unfortunately, that time window has passed and susceptible persons who were exposed are at risk for getting measles from 7- 21 days following exposure. Although susceptible individuals age 6 months or older who were at the 7-Eleven Store during these times should receive a measles vaccination as soon as possible, whether or not they receive the vaccine they should avoid public settings for 7-21 days following exposure, or from March 6 until March 20. Persons who are pregnant or immunocompromised can receive Immune Globulin within 6 days of exposure, or by March 5 at 8 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 10 a.m. on March 4 or call your health care provider.

Who else has been exposed
Clark County Public Health is working closely with the administration of a local school and a medical facility to notify others who may have been exposed. Those names are not being released at this time because efforts are underway to notify the exposed individuals directly.

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.

Contact: Alan Melnick, MD, MPH, Health Officer
Clark County Public Health
(360) 397-8412; Alan.Melnick@clark.wa.gov

Teresa Cross, Public Information Officer
(360) 397-8000 ext. 7378; Teresa.Cross@clark.wa.gov