SPOKANE, Wash. – The Spokane Regional Health District reported what is believed to be the first measles case this year in the county, identified in a child.
With some schools starting and others set to begin in the Inland Northwest, parents might be concerned about the implications for the school year. Despite no immediate impact expected, the health district stated it is prepared for a potential outbreak.
The health district says measles can spread quickly. It is estimated that over 7% of kindergartners in Spokane County were unvaccinated in 2024.
According to the Washington Administrative Code WAC 246-105-030 and WAC 246-105-040 any child attending school, preschool, or child care in Washington State is required by law to be fully immunized (documentation of vaccination or proof of acquired immunity) against the following diseases at the ages and intervals in the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices immunization schedule:
Children entering school, child care, or other early learning programs are required to have certain vaccinations before they can start. These requirements are put into place to protect children, families, and communities from vaccine preventable diseases. Immunization requirements apply to all enrolled children, including those learning remotely.
Dr. Mark Springer, an epidemiologist at the health district, emphasized the importance of vaccination. “It takes two doses of the vaccine to be protected,” he said, recommending that children between 12 months and 12 years receive it.
Springer advised that if a child shows symptoms, they should remain home. “If a measles case is identified in schools, students not up to date on vaccinations may need to stay home for 21 days,” he noted.
“We want to really make sure that we’re minimizing that risk,” Springer said. “We’ve seen that risk in other communities. For the most part, we’ve been able to do that here in Spokane. We’ve had a lot of cooperation from families.”
Springer also mentioned that vaccination rates vary across schools, which could lead to cases in area schools. For parents wanting the MMR vaccine for their child but lacking insurance, the Spokane County Health District offers no-cost or reduced-fee options.
