Health district encouraging vaccinations

EPHRATA — The third outbreak of chicken pox this year in Grant County was reported to the health district Tuesday afternoon at Columbia Ridge Elementary.

As of Wednesday, 15 elementary students in the Ephrata School District were known to have contracted the contagious disease.

Letters to parents and students were sent out Tuesday and Wednesday.

Health officials continue advising parents and school staff to keep infected students at home until all pox are scabbed over and to vaccinate those who have not had chicken pox previously.

"We've had some outbreaks reported to us in other areas of the county and I think currently chicken pox is still endemic, especially in the spring and it is highly infectious," said health district director of personal health services Peggy Grigg.

School district nurse Phyllis Fries said the outbreak has not resulted in any school closures.

Chicken pox is a disease caused by a virus and results in a blister-like rash, itching, tiredness and fever. The rash most commonly appears on the trunk and face, but can spread over the entire body.

The disease is spread through direct contact or via the air.

The health district recommends adults be vaccinated if the following applies: High risk individuals without prior chicken pox infection, health care workers, teachers of young children, child care workers, residents and staff in institutional settings, college students, inmates and staff at correctional institutions, military personnel, and international travelers.

Women of child bearing age should also get the vaccine.

Earlier this year cases were reported at a child care facility in Moses Lake and in the Warden School District.

Starting July 1 Washington State will require children under 13 years of age get vaccinated for chicken pox for admission to school and child care settings.

Vaccination clinics are available at the Ephrata office of the GCHD Thursday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. On Friday the clinic is open from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. with regularly scheduled clinics on Mondays from 1 to 4 p.m. in Ephrata and 1 to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Moses Lake office for adults.