Six new measles cases have been reported in Clark County, Oregon. County health officials announced these cases on Tuesday. They are linked to a confirmed measles case in Ridgefield first identified on January 23.
Dr. Alan Melnick, the county health officer, stated, “We do not currently have any evidence that measles is spreading in public locations in Clark County.” This suggests that the outbreak is contained, at least for now.
Two key exposure sites have been identified:
- Ridgefield High School: January 14, 15, and 16.
- Vancouver Clinic in Ridgefield, on January 21 from 4 to 9 PM.
Interestingly, most new cases stemmed from a “non-public location,” making it harder to track the outbreak.
Out of the six new cases, five patients are under 18, while one is an adult. Five of these individuals are unvaccinated, highlighting concerns about vaccine hesitancy.
The current measles count in Clark County has risen to seven cases since January 2026. Health experts warn that this community is especially vulnerable to outbreaks due to low vaccination rates. According to recent data from the CDC, areas with lower vaccination rates have seen a 300% increase in measles cases over the past year.
In response, local health officials are urging families to ensure their children are vaccinated. Vaccination not only protects individuals but also the wider community.
For ongoing updates about this health situation, you can find more information here.
Staying informed and following health guidelines is crucial in preventing further spread.
