SPOKANE, Wash. – A Spokane County resident is presumed positive for measles, according to a press release from the Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD).
The individual was in an area previously identified as high-risk for measles exposure and is showing symptoms consistent with the disease.
SRHD’s communicable disease team is notifying the community about additional exposure areas and expects confirmation of the measles status by August 27.
The health district is urging everyone to verify their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination status.
Before the presumptive diagnosis, the individual visited several public locations, including Providence Sacred Heart Pediatric and Adult Emergency Departments on Sunday, August 24, from 6:08 a.m. to 10:41 a.m. Previous exposure locations were also identified on August 12, 13, and 15 at the same facility.
Residents experiencing measles symptoms, such as high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, or rash, should contact their healthcare provider.
For adults, at least one dose of the measles vaccine is recommended unless they have been previously immunized, were born before 1957, have had measles diagnosed by a doctor, or have medical contraindications. Pregnant women should wait until after giving birth to receive the vaccine.
For more information on measles, visit the SRHD website.
