BISMARCK, N.D. — North Dakota is sending an emergency response team to assist in an escalating measles outbreak in the Pacific Northwest.
The Bismarck Tribune reported 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.
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.
Public health officials in the state have confirmed 38 measles cases clustered in southwest Washington. Most patients were under 10 and at least thirty-four were not immunized.
The measles breakout caused Washington Gov. Jay Inslee to declare a state of emergency on Jan. 25.
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