Clark County investigates confirmed measles case in unvaccinated child
Wed, July 22, 2026 at 5:13 PM
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VANCOUVER, Wash. (KATU) —Clark County Public Health is investigating a confirmed case of measles in an unvaccinated child
Health officials said it is unknown when or where the child was exposed to the virus
According to Clark County Public Health, the child was contagious while visiting the Vancouver Clinic‘s Salmon Creek 1 Clinic, located at 2525 N.E. 139th St., from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on July 17
Anyone who was at the clinic during that time and has not been vaccinated against measles or previously had the disease may be at risk of infection, health officials said
READ ALSO | OHA lists new Portland-area measles exposure sites at Providence clinics and ERs
Public health officials are urging unvaccinated people who may have been exposed to remain at home and avoid public places for 21 days
Anyone who develops symptoms of measles during that period should contact a health care provider before seeking medical care so arrangements can be made to avoid exposing others
Officials said people who have received two doses of the measles vaccine are well protected. Two doses are about 97% effective at preventing measles
People who are unsure of their vaccination status are encouraged to call their doctor or check their records through Washington state’s MyIR Mobile system
ABOUT MEASLES
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, speaks, coughs or sneezes. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours and can infect up to 90% of unprotected close contacts. Complications can include pneumonia, brain inflammation and death
Nationwide, measles cases have been rising since early 2025. Nearly 2,300 cases were reported last year, with most occurring among unvaccinated children
Symptoms typically begin seven to 21 days after exposure and include cough, runny nose and conjunctivitis accompanied by a high fever. A rash usually follows, starting on the head or neck and spreading downward. People are contagious from four days before the rash appears until four days after
HA advises health care providers to report suspected cases immediately and consider post-exposure treatment for exposed patients. The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine can be given within 72 hours of exposure. Immunoglobulin may be administered within six days
For most people 6 months and older who are eligible for vaccination, receiving the MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure is recommended
