Fourth site identified in possible measles case

Clark County Public Health is continuing its investigation into a possible case of measles in a child, and has identified the Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Office Building as a fourth location where people may have been exposed to measles.

People who visited the medical office, 2121 N.E. 139th St. in Vancouver, and used the lobbies, stairwells and elevators from 10:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 3 may have been exposed, according to a press release from Clark County Public Health.

Three other businesses were also previously announced: J.C. Penney, 19005 S.E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver (from 2 to 5 p.m. June 27); Ross Dress for Less, 4708 N.E. Thurston Way, Vancouver (noon to 3 p.m. June 28); and Svitoch, 4804 N.E. Thurston Way, Vancouver (noon to 3 p.m. June 28).

Measles is spread through the air from coughs or sneezes, and it is contagious before symptoms emerge, which is up to three weeks after exposure.

Symptoms begin with a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed by a rash that generally begins at the head and spreads. The contagious stage usually lasts four days before the rash appears, and up to four days after the rash’s appearance.

Ear infections, lung infections and diarrhea are other common complications.

The virus poses the most risk to people who haven’t been vaccinated, are pregnant, are infants younger than 12 months or people with weakened immune systems, according to the press release.

Anyone who may have symptoms of measles should call their health care provider before coming in, and make a plan that avoids exposing others in the waiting room, according to Clark County Public Health.