North Dakota sends specialized team to help with measles breakout in Pacific Northwest

Jan. 31, 2019 Updated Thu., Jan. 31, 2019 at 9:06 p.m.

By Associated Press Associated Press

Pullman Schools sticks to protocol

Local school officials say Pullman students are at low risk of contracting measles despite an outbreak of the virus in a southwestern Washington county that prompted Gov. Jay Inslee to declare a state of emergency Friday.

Superintendent of Pullman Schools Bob Maxwell said the district would consider more aggressive tactics if the outbreak were to spread, including barring unvaccinated children from attending school. He said the district’s head nurse, Michelle Hyatt, is coordinating with the county to ensure schools are taking the appropriate steps.

“That’s pretty typical protocol that we engage with,” Maxwell said. “The other is really taking another look at our immunization status and records.”

According to the Washington Department of Health, vaccination rates in Pullman schools hover around 90 percent. Officials say 38 of the 39 confirmed cases were identified in Clark County, where vaccination rates are between 68 and 79 percent. Clark County Public Health said in a statement Wednesday there are also 13 suspected cases. Most of the confirmed cases involve patients younger than 10.

Director of Whitman County Public Health Troy Henderson said there are no known or suspected cases on the east side of the state.

“I wouldn’t say there’s any reason to worry, I’d just say folks should get prepared as best they can,” Henderson said. “The best way to get prepared is to make sure you and your children that you’re responsible for are up to date on your vaccinations.”

BISMARCK, N.D. – North Dakota is sending an emergency response team to assist in efforts to control an escalating measles outbreak in the Pacific Northwest.

The North Dakota Department of Health Emergency Preparedness and Response will deploy a five-member unit to relieve existing members of the Washington state response group, the Bismarck Tribune reported.

“We are pleased to assist with this serious public health emergency,” said Tim Wiedrich, Emergency Preparedness and Response’s section chief. “Our participation not only assists Washington but also strengthens our North Dakota response capabilities.”

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency on Jan. 25 because of the measles outbreak.

Public health officials in the state have confirmed 43 measles cases mostly clustered in southwest Washington. Most patients were under 10 and not immunized.

Public health authorities recommend that all children be vaccinated against the extremely contagious viral illness at ages 12 to 15 months and 4 to 6 years.

Washington submitted a request for the specialized team through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact. The mutual aid agency enables a disaster-impacted state to request and receive aid from other member states swiftly and efficiently.

The Emergency Management Assistance Compact has been ratified by the federal government in all 50 states, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Washington will reimburse North Dakota’s expenses as outlined in the agency’s request.

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