In a follow-up on the measles outbreak in the Vancouver, Washington area, an additional two confirmed cases were reported in children, bringing the outbreak total to 16.

Image/TDH
Image/TDH

In addition, five additional suspected cases are being investigated.

All the cases were in children and at least 14 of the cases were not vaccinated.

In addition to the locations previously reported, Clark County health officials added these new locations where people may have been exposed to measles:

Health care facilities:

  • Rose Urgent Care and Family Practice, 18 NW 20th Ave., Battle Ground from 3:45 to 8 pm Monday, Jan. 14.
  • Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center Emergency Department, 2211 NE 139th St., Vancouver from 11:40 pm Monday, Jan. 14 to 5:10 am Tuesday, Jan. 15.

Schools:

  • Tukes Valley Primary School, 20601 NE 167th Ave., Battle Ground on Tuesday, Jan. 8.
  • Tukes Valley Middle School, 20601 NE 167th Ave., Battle Ground on Tuesday, Jan. 8

What is measles?

Measles is a highly contagious and potentially serious illness caused by a virus. Measles is spread through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after someone who is infectious has left.

How contagious is measles? Answer: Very

Measles symptoms begin with a high fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed by a rash that usually begins at the head and spreads to the rest of the body. A person can spread the virus before they show symptoms. People are contagious with measles for up to four days before and up to four days after the rash appears.

After someone is exposed to measles, illness develops in about one to three weeks.

Immunization is the best prevention for measles. The measles vaccine is very effective. One dose of the measles vaccine is about 93 percent effective at preventing measles. Two doses are about 97 percent effective, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.