Exposure site identified

MOSES LAKE - A 19th case of measles was reported by the Grant County Health District Wednesday.

Administrator Peggy Grigg said the new case is a Moses Lake resident and not a family member of the previous cases.

All 19 incidents of measles occurred in Moses Lake residents.

Wal-Mart on Stratford Road was identified as a site where the public may have been exposed to measles, according to health district Public Information Officer Theresa Fuller.

Individuals who visited Wal-Mart Tuesday, May 27, from noon to 9 p.m., and Wednesday, May 28, from noon to 6:30 p.m., should check their immunity status, the health district advised.

According to the health district, individuals who are considered immune to measles should have one of the following:

• Two measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccines

• A medical history of having the measles

• Laboratory testing which shows measles immunity

"In general, individuals born before 1957 are considered to be immune, but if they are working in health care settings or other settings with high levels of public contact, the above criteria would apply," the health district advised.

Samaritan Healthcare's laboratory offers a test for $15, payable by cash or check, to show one's immunity to measles, according to the health district. Walk-in patients can request the test at Samaritan Laboratory from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For more information, call the Ephrata office of the Grant County Health District at 509-754-6060.