A measles outbreak in Portland, Oregon, has prompted health officials in neighboring Clark County, Washington, to declare a public health emergency.
Officials said a person "known to be contagious with measles" attended a Portland Trail Blazers home game last week. They also said people with the disease visited Portland International Airport, hospitals, schools, stores, churches and restaurants in Clark County, Washington.
Clark County declared the emergency on Friday. According to the most recent update, county officials have identified 23 confirmed cases and two suspected cases. Eighteen of the 23 confirmed cases are children who are 10 or younger.
Clark County Public Health says measles symptoms start with a high fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. Then comes a rash that usually starts at the head and spreads to the rest of the body.
The virus is extremely contagious. It's also airborne and can linger in a room for up to two hours. Officials say the best way to protect yourself from measles is to get vaccinated.
