New measles case reported; Child tests positive at Camas clinic

Clark County Public Health has confirmed a new case of measles in the county, the agency announced Tuesday.

A child tested positive after being seen at AFC Urgent Care Camas at 180 N.E. 192nd Ave. while they were contagious. People who were at the clinic from 2-6:30 p.m. Friday may have been exposed.

People who were at the clinic at that time, have not been vaccinated against measles or have not had measles in the past are at risk for getting sick and should stay home and out of public places for 21 days, Public Health said.

During that time, anyone who believes they have symptoms of measles should call their healthcare provider before visiting the medical office to make a plan that avoids exposing others.

So far this year, Clark County has had 17 cases of measles. Seven cases were reported in January, one in February and eight in July. Fifteen of the 17 cases involved unvaccinated children; the vaccination statuses of two adult cases were unknown.

Measles is a highly contagious and potentially serious illness caused by a virus. The virus spreads through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes. A person with measles can spread the virus before they show symptoms, and the virus can linger in the air after someone who is infectious has left.

Measles symptoms begin with a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed by a rash that usually starts on the head and spreads to the rest of the body.

A person exposed to measles will begin to get sick about one to three weeks after exposure. People are contagious up to four days before and after the rash appears.

Public Health urges people who are not protected against measles to get vaccinated.

Residents who have questions about the vaccine or are unsure whether they are protected should talk to their healthcare provider. Vaccination records are also available through the state’s MyIR Mobile system.

Measles poses the highest risk to people who have not been vaccinated, including infants younger than 12 months. The MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine provides the best protection against measles. One dose of the vaccine is about 93 percent effective at preventing measles. Two doses are about 97 percent effective.

Measles can be serious for all age groups. However, children younger than 5 and adults older than 20 are more likely to suffer from measles complications.

The U.S. has hit a 35-year high in measles cases with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting 2,465 confirmed cases as of Aug. 6.