The ongoing measles outbreak in the Pacific Northwest that prompted the declaration of a public health emergency in Washington State, has health officials in Washoe County urging everyone to ensure they are vaccinated or otherwise protected against the highly contagious disease. Health officials say the measles vaccine is 97% effective. Washoe County Health District officials note that measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. A person can get measles just by being in a room where an infected person has been. According to the CDC, approximately one in four people in the United States who gets measles will require hospitalization. Contact your health care provider or schedule an appointment for the vaccine with the Washoe County Health District.