Officials: 34 measles cases in Washington outbreak

VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) – Health officials said Sunday the number of confirmed cases of measles in western Washington has grown to 34, with nine more cases suspected.

Clark County Public Health said the majority of the cases involve children younger than 10.

Officials say 30 of the patients were not vaccinated against the highly contagious disease and in four cases it’s unclear whether the person was vaccinated. One person was hospitalized.

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can remain in the air for up to two hours in an isolated space.

The full vaccine is 97 percent effective and provides immunity for life.