Clark County Public Health has confirmed six additional cases of measles, bringing the total number of cases in the county to 15 for the year. According to reporting by the Camas Post-Record, the new cases involve six unvaccinated children who were exposed to the virus in private settings.

Public health officials stated that these new cases do not appear to be connected to a separate measles case involving an unvaccinated child announced on July 22. No new public exposure locations have been identified in connection with the latest group of cases.

The 15 cases recorded in Clark County this year include eight reported during January and February. Official records indicate that 13 of the 15 total cases involved unvaccinated children, while the vaccination status of two adults who contracted the virus remains unknown.

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. According to Clark County Public Health, the virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infectious person has left an area. Individuals can also spread the virus before they begin to show symptoms.