Advisory

As of January 22, Clark County has had 23 confirmed cases of measles. Anyone who has recently visited the Vancouver area should be alert for symptoms, which often begin with high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. After 3-to-5 days, a rash usually begins on the face and spreads.

If you think you might have measles call the Student Medical Clinic (509-963-1881) or your primary care provider to make a plan that avoids exposing others. They should not go to the clinic without making prior arrangements unless it is an emergency.

The cases in Clark County have been mainly in children who haven’t been vaccinated. This is a highly contagious disease that is spread through the air. You can get measles just by being in a room with someone who has measles. Measles can be dangerous especially to babies and young children.

The best way to protect yourself and family from measles is to get vaccinated. The vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Please check your immunization records, and be sure you have had two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. If you have not been vaccinated, the vaccine is available at the Student Medical Clinic.

If people have questions, please call the Student Medical Clinic at 509-963-1881 or the Kittitas County Health Department at 509-962-7515.