Health Department expects measles outbreak to continue

WASHINGTON STATE – The pros and cons of vaccinations are always a controversial topic but the issue has been brought to the forefront with the recent measles outbreak in the Pacific Northwest, prompting Governor Jay Inslee declared a public health emergency late last month.

A press release issued by Walla Walla County Health Officer Dr. Larry Jecha last week said there were no cases in Walla Walla County, as of Jan. 29, but precautions should be taken.

"The measles outbreak is a growing problem and we expect it to continue spreading and go on for some time," said Jecha in the press release.

As of Monday, the Washington State Department of Health had reported 47 confirmed measles cases in Clark County and one in King County.

On Jan. 30 the Oregon Health Authority confirmed one case of measles in Multnomah County, related to the outbreak in Clark County. The Multnomah County website has been updated with a list of potential exposure areas that include the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) shopping centers, the Portland International Airport and Moda Center.

"Measles is a highly contagious disease that can spread before people know they are sick and could impact any county in the state. There are unvaccinated people in many areas in our state, and within our community, and vulnerable populations are at risk," Jecha stated in his release.

Columbia County Public Health Nurse Estasia Collins said she has fielded calls from concerned individuals wondering what to do to stay safe.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention it can take seven to 14 days for measles symptoms to show after a person is infected. Measles typically begins with:

-High fever

-Cough

-Runny nose

-Red, watery eyes

-Rash breaks out 3-5 days after symptoms begin

A rash usually begins as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline and spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet. After a few days, the fever subsides and the rash fades.

The Walla Walla County Health Department is advising parents who are concerned about measles symptoms or exposure to call before going to a clinic, doctor's office, urgent or express care or emergency department.

The Health Department says the best protection against measles is the MMR vaccine which protects against measles, mumps and rubella viruses and is urging parents to make sure their families' vaccinations are up-to-date.

According to Clark County Public Health, 37 of the confirmed sases in Clark County were in individuals who had not received the MMR vaccination. Thirty-two of those cases are in children 10 years or younger.

The CDC recommends that adults born after 1956 should get at least one does of the vaccine unless they can show that they have either been vaccinated or had all three diseases the MMR vaccine protects against. Children should get two doses, starting at 12-15 months, with a second dose at 4-6 years of age. Students at post-high school educational institutions who do not have evidence of immunity need two doses of MMR vaccine, with at least 28 days separation.

According to the CDC, two doses of MMR vaccine are 97 percent effective and one dose is 93% effective.

Stay Informed

Follow Oregon’s measles investigation at the Oregon Health Care Authority at https://bit.ly/2MyaIvy

Follow Washington State’s measles investigation through the Department of Health at https://bit.ly/2CQpGZf

Learn about vaccinations at https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/mmr/public/index.html