14 kids with measles in SW Washington; most not immunized

VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) – Officials say a measles outbreak in southwestern Washington has grown to 14 confirmed cases, with three more suspected.

Clark County health officials in Washington said Wednesday the confirmed cases include 12 children under 10 years old, and the remaining two are under 18.

Officials say most were not immunized against the disease, a highly contagious viral illness spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

People who visited some 20 locations in the Portland-Vancouver area might have been exposed.

The patients while contagious have visited schools and medical facilities, as well as the Portland International Airport and retailers including the Northeast Portland Costco and Ikea stores.

Anyone who with symptoms should contact health officials before visiting a health care facility to contain the spread of the infection.

Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and rash.