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Kittitas (pronounced 'KITT-i-tass') County is located in central Washington State. It spans from the lush forested Cascade Mountains to the upper Yakima River Valley plains and the Columbia River.
Kittitas County, WA - 01/22/2019 - Clark County, Washington, which includes the city of Vancouver, is experiencing a measles outbreak. As of Monday, January 21 at 5:00 pm, 22 confirmed cases and 3 suspect cases have been identified. So far, almost all cases are unimmunized children.
Measles is very contagious! The virus is spread when someone who is infected coughs, sneezes, or shares food or drink. Measles can remain in the air for up to two hours. If you think you may have been exposed, or you have a fever and a rash, please call your doctor or medical facility first. Do not expose others – stay home from work, school, child care, or public outings like going to the store or church, until further recommendations by your medical provider. Symptoms of measles usually start with a mild to moderate fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and sore throat. After two to three days, tiny white spots may appear inside the mouth on the inner lining of the check. At the same time, the fever may get worse and a red or reddish brown spotted rash starts. It usually begins on a person’s face and spreads downward. The best protection against measles is the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. Ensure that you and your family are up to date. To confirm you and your family are protected against the virus, please visit https://wa.myir.net to review your vaccination history online. The vaccine is recommended for children over the age of 12 months, healthcare workers, college students, adults born on or after 1957, and people who travel internationally. Being up to date on the MMR vaccine protects those who cannot be vaccinated. Those who should not receive the vaccine include pregnant women, those who are moderately or severely ill at the scheduled time of their vaccination, and those with a compromised immune system should consult their doctor. “We know that Kittitas County residents educate themselves about vaccinations,” states Health Officer Dr. Mark Larson. “Talk to your medical provider or use a website like DOH at https://www.doh.wa.gov/YouandYourFamily/IllnessandDisease/Measles to learn more and protect your loved ones from this preventable virus.” For more information visit the DOH link or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or call the Kittitas County Public Health Department at 509-962-7515.
Kittitas County, from the Cascades to the Columbia, and online at http://www.co.kittitas.wa.us
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Contact: Kasey Knutson, Public Information Officer, 509-962-7515