Measles spreads easily. It's one of the world's most contagious diseases.
Natalya Maisheva
Clark County Public Health has identified a new measles exposure site in Ridgefield, Washington.
Public health officials say the site is connected to a case reported earlier this month involving a person who tested positive for measles. That person, who visited Ridgefield High School while contagious from Jan. 14-16, also visited Ridgefield’s Vancouver Clinic.
The county’s health department says people who visited the clinic located at 5515 Pioneer St. from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, may have been exposed to measles.
“People who were at the medical office and who have not been vaccinated against measles or have not had measles in the past are at risk for getting sick,” read a statement from the county.
On Friday, officials with the clinic said staff took precautions and followed infection control guidelines when meeting with the measles patient in their car on Jan. 21, at 4:45 p.m. Staff also reached out to people who were in the clinic’s waiting room during that time, according to the clinic.
“Out of an abundance of caution, the clinic will also reach out to those who came to the clinic later in the evening,” said Kelly Love, a spokesperson with the clinic, in a statement.
So far this year, there have been six confirmed cases of measles reported across Washington state.
The virus, which is highly contagious, can cause serious health complications for people who have not been vaccinated or have with weakened immune systems.
The county says no additional confirmed cases of measles have been identified.
