"Zero Patient" identified in a measles outbreak in Washington

by Jeff Pohjola | KOMO Radio

Vancouver, W.A. (KOMO) – Public health officials have said that the first person to contract measles during the last outbreak was a stranger from the country.

According to Dr. Scott Lindquist, state epidemiologist, this person has come into contact with a large group of unvaccinated children.

"All non-immune children went to public places like Ikea, Costco and a Portland Trailblazers match," he said.

Measles is highly contagious and the pathogen can linger in a room for hours after the departure of an infected person.

There are now 50 confirmed cases in the state of Washington – 49 in Clark County and one in King County. More than 100 others are actively monitored.