WASHINGTON (Eagle News) — Only a few weeks after Washington State Governor Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency due to a measles outbreak, the Washington State Department of Health reported that the highly contagious disease continues to spread and urges people to receive vaccination and take precautions to prevent its escalation.

As of February 4, the number of confirmed cases was 50, nearly double the number from when Governor Inslee initially declared a state of emergency on January 26 when there were 26 confirmed cases statewide.

According to Clark County Public Health, 49 of the 50 cases come from Clark County and out of those cases in that county, 34 were ages one to 10 years old and 13 cases were from ages 11 to 18.

Health officials have warned that people infected with the disease had visited schools, churches, a dentist’s office, a Costco store, an Ikea store and the Portland airport.

“Measles is a highly contagious disease that can be fatal in small children,” Governor Inslee tweeted. “Almost everyone who is not immune will get measles if they are exposed to the virus.”

Officials are urging people to take precautions to help stop the spread of measles. The disease can cause severe diarrhea, pneumonia and vision loss, and ultimately can be fatal.

Health officials emphasize the importance of immunization.

“The measles vaccine isn’t perfect, but one dose is 93 percent effective at preventing illness,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County health officer and Public Health director. “The recommended two doses of the measles vaccine provide even greater protection – 97 percent.”

Out of the 49 reported cases in Clark County, 42 were categorized as unimmunized according to the Clark County Public Health website.

(Eagle News Service)