SRHD Encourages Everyone to Check Measles Vaccination Status

Spokane, Wash. — A resident of Spokane County who was in an area previously identified for high-risk measles exposure and who is experiencing symptoms that are consistent with those of measles, is presumed to be positive for the highly contagious disease, according to local public health officials.

Spokane Regional Health District’s (SRHD’s) communicable disease investigation and prevention team is moving forward with community notices of additional high-risk exposure areas and expects to receive confirmation of the individual’s measles status by Aug. 27. In addition, SRHD is advising individuals to check their children’s and their own vaccination status and verify that they are up to date with the measles mumps rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Before receiving the measles diagnosis, the individual was in the following public locations. Anyone who was at the following location during the times listed was possibly exposed to measles:

• Sunday, Aug. 24, 6:08 a.m.-10:41 a.m., Providence Sacred Heart Pediatric and Adult Emergency Departments

The following locations of potential measles exposure were identified in a previous SRHD press release:

• Tuesday, Aug. 12, 11:14 a.m.-5:27 p.m., Providence Sacred Heart Pediatric and Adult Emergency Departments
• Wednesday, Aug. 13, 6:02 p.m.-12:54 a.m., Providence Sacred Heart Pediatric and Adult Emergency Departments
• Friday, Aug. 15, 9:30 a.m.-8:27 p.m., Providence Sacred Heart Pediatric Oncology & Hematology Specialty Clinic

If an individual is experiencing symptoms of measles (high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, rash) and believes they may have been exposed, they should contact their health care provider.

More information about measles: https://srhd.org/health-topics/diseases-conditions/measles. 

Adults should receive at least one dose of measles vaccine, unless they were previously immunized, were born prior to 1957, were previously diagnosed with measles by a doctor, or have other medical contraindications for the vaccine. Adults who are unsure whether they received the vaccine can still get one, since there is no harm in getting it a second time. Pregnant women should wait until after giving birth to get the vaccine.

Spokane Regional Health District is a leader and partner in public health by protecting, improving and promoting the health and well-being of all people through evidence-based practices. SRHD is one of 34 local public health agencies serving Washington state’s 39 counties. Visit www.srhd.org for comprehensive, updated information about SRHD and its triumphs in making Spokane a safer and healthier community. Like SRHD on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to receive safety and wellness tips.