Dr. Richard Leman of the Oregon Health Authority discusses vaccinations and the Vancouver-area measles outbreak. Posted by The Oregonian on Tuesday, January 22, 2019

The number of people with measles rose two more cases Monday to 49, according to Clark County Public Health.

One person who is between 30 and 40 years old has measles -- the oldest person so far. There’s only one other adult who has been diagnosed with measles.

Nine people are suspected of having measles and await test results before they’re announced.

The highly contagious virus spreads through the air and can linger for up to two hours in an isolated space. People who have never received a measles vaccine are susceptible to the disease, which can be deadly.

Washington health officials urge anyone who hasn’t received the vaccine or needs the second dose to get it now. The vaccine is 97 percent effective and can limit the severity or fight off the virus if it’s administered within 72 hours after exposure.

To further limit the spread of the virus, health officials ask that people who think they might have measles call their doctor or health care provider before visiting a hospital or doctor’s office.

Washington State Department of Health keeps track of residents’ immunization status so people can see if they need shots.

Clark County Public Health also now maintains a daily call center for questions about the outbreak at 360-397-8021.