PeaceHealth visitor restrictions in response to measles outbreak

The following visitor restrictions have been implemented at PeaceHealth facilities in Vancouver, Washington, and Eugene, Oregon.

PeaceHealth Vancouver facilities (Clark County)

Due to the rising number of confirmed measles cases in Clark County, PeaceHealth asks those who have been exposed to measles and are experiencing symptoms to call BEFORE visiting any medical office, urgent care, or Emergency Department. This allows our caregivers to develop a care plan for you that does not increase risk to others. PeaceHealth visitors under the age of 12, and visitors who are unvaccinated or immunocompromised are respectfully asked to not visit our hospital at this time.

If you have questions or concerns about measles, please call your primary care provider or the Measles Call Center at the Clark County Public Health Department at 360-397-8021. The Call Center is open daily. For more information, visit Clark County Public Health's measles information website.

PeaceHealth Oregon facilities (Lane County):

Due to an uptick in reports of influenza cases in our community and in response to the growing number of measles cases being reported in the Portland and Vancouver, Wash., region, PeaceHealth is implementing the following visitation restrictions at Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend’s labor and delivery, mother-baby and neonatal intensive care units:

• Visitors under the age of 12 may now enter RiverBend’s mother-baby and labor & delivery units. They still are not allowed in the neonatal intensive care unit.
• Anyone experiencing symptoms of measles also will be asked to refrain from entering.

PeaceHealth visitors who are unvaccinated or immunocompromised are respectfully asked to not visit our hospital at this time. Additionally, if you have been exposed to measles and are experiencing symptoms please call BEFORE visiting any medical office, urgent care, or Emergency Department. This allows our caregivers to develop a care plan for you that does not increase risk to others. If you have questions or concerns about measles, please call your primary care provider.

Additonal information: 

There are steps all of us can take to keep ourselves and our family, friends, coworkers and neighbors healthy, said Catherine Kroll, director for infection prevention, PeaceHealth.

“In addition to ensuring you are up-to-date on your immunizations, including the flu vaccine, you should be vigilant about thoroughly washing your hands throughout the day and covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze,” she advised. “Sick individuals—both adults and children—should stay home from work or school in order to prevent the spread of disease.”

Kroll also recommends becoming familiar with the signs and symptoms of measles. Anyone who has been exposed and believes they have symptoms of measles is asked to call their healthcare provider prior to visiting the medical office to make a plan that avoids exposing others in the waiting room.

Read about the signs and symptoms of measles by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.