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The original item was published from 3/18/2019 1:55:00 PM to 3/18/2019 3:38:14 PM.
News Flash
Health & Human Services
Posted on: March 18, 2019[ARCHIVED] PRESS RELEASE: Measles Ruled out in Cowlitz County Case
The suspected case of measles identified by Cowlitz County Health & Human Services (CCHHS) last week has been ruled out.
Last week, CCHHS received a report of 1 suspected case of measles in a person who had recently received the measles-mumps-rubella, or MMR, vaccine. The suspect case did not appear to be linked to the Clark County outbreak. Specialized testing determined the individual was experiencing a vaccine rash. Five percent of people can experience a benign rash after receiving their first dose of the measles-mumps-rubella, or MMR, vaccine.
CCHHS is reminding anyone who believes they have symptoms of measles to call their health care provider prior to visiting the medical office to make a plan that avoids exposing others in the waiting room. People who believe they have symptoms of measles should not go directly to medical offices, urgent care centers or emergency departments (unless experiencing a medical emergency) without calling in advance.Symptoms of the measles include a rash that usually begins on the face and spreads to other parts of the body. 3-5 days before the rash begins a patient can experience a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red watery eyes.
Anyone with questions about their measles immunity or the measles vaccine should contact their primary care provider. CCHHS does not provide immunizations or testing for immunity. If you are unsure of your family's immunization status, you can view, download and print your family's immunization information online at https://wa.myir.net or request a copy of your immunization record from the Washington State Department of Health.
CONTACT:
Dr. Alan Melnick, Interim Cowlitz County Health Officer
Dr. Melnick can be reached through, Marissa Armstrong,
Communications Specialist, 360-518-1731 (cell), or marissa.armstrong@clark.wa.gov |