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Members of the North Dakota Department of Health are mobilizing to help fight a measles outbreak on the West Coast.
Washington is in a state of emergency, there are 36 confirmed cases of measles and 12 suspected cases.
Five members of North Dakota emergency preparedness and response team are in Vancouver, Washington State, to lend a hand against the epidemic of measles.
With regard to natural disasters or disasters, these first responders are on call.
"We react in some way, as needed," said Angie Strand, representative of the NDDOH response team.
Generally, the team reacts to hurricanes, floods and fires. However, it is the first time that a state asks them for help.
"We will take on roles such as planning, logistics, operations – we will take on these roles so that their staff can pause and prepare for the long term – I do not think this epidemic will happen anytime soon." said Juli Sickler, Division Manager at NDDOH.
This act of duty will benefit not only other states, but also North Dakota.
"This enhances our ability to carry out intervention activities within the state, because every time we do, we learn, we are able to retrieve information and improve our systems. in North Dakota, we are also learning to bring in external stakeholders to our state, "said Tim Wiedrich, Section Head.
The intervention team will be in Washington for two weeks.
Measles is a contagious disease that causes fevers and rashes. It mostly affects children.
Measles vaccines are recommended for children aged 12 to 15 months and 4 to 6 years.
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