CDC: Rise in measles cases nationwide, another confirmed case in our state

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A measles warning from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. Cases of the highly contagious virus have been on the rise across the country.

175 cases have been reported in the U.S. this year, including our state. Health officials say the disease generally makes its way into the states from those who traveled overseas.

“Just as any virus anywhere is only a plane ride away,” CDC Director Tom Frieden said, “Measles anywhere is potentially the cause of an outbreak here. Measles can be deadly it's a serious disease.”

This warning comes as health officials confirm another case in our state. This time, it’s in Vancouver. The health department has confirmed a case in a child at Harmony Elementary School. The student got a rash on November 24, and then went to school the next day.

The health department is working to notify parents whose children are at risk. Those kids could come down with the virus also.

The CDC says the best protection is vaccination. They urge parents to vaccinate their kids and check their own records to make sure they got the shot as well.