Six new measles cases reported in Clark County

VANCOUVER, Wash. (KATU) — Six more people have come down with the measles in Clark County, and those cases are connected to a case of a person who was inside Ridgefield High School last month, Clark County Public Health said on Tuesday.

But health officials said the six people were exposed in “non-public locations” and that no other public exposures have been found.

“We do not currently have any evidence that measles is spreading in public locations in Clark County,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County health officer and Public Health director.

An adult who was contagious with measles was at Ridgefield High on Jan. 14, 15 and 16, officials said.

Among the six new cases, health officials said five of the people are under the age of 18. The sixth person is at least 18 years old. Five of the people were unvaccinated, but it could not be verified whether the sixth person was vaccinated, health officials said.

Health officials say the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is the best way to stay protected from the measles. Two doses of the vaccine are 97% effective at preventing the disease, they say.