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Walla Walla Today
By the People, for the People
Measles Case Confirmed in Southeast Washington
Unvaccinated patient exposed during international travel
Apr. 5, 2026 at 2:19am
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A case of measles has been confirmed in Walla Walla County, Washington, the first there this year and the 32nd case in 2026 across the state. The patient was unvaccinated and was exposed to the virus during international travel. All measles cases in Washington this year have been in unvaccinated individuals, except for five people whose vaccination status could not be determined.
Why it matters
Measles is a highly contagious and potentially severe disease that can lead to serious complications, especially in those who are unvaccinated. This case highlights the ongoing public health challenges posed by vaccine hesitancy and the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases.
The details
The Walla Walla County Department of Community Health is working to identify and contact people who may have been exposed to the measles patient. No public places where exposures could have occurred are known. Measles is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and the virus can live in the air for up to two hours. If one person is infectious, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected.
- The Walla Walla County case was the first there this year.
- It is the 32nd case in Washington state in 2026.
The players
Walla Walla County Department of Community Health
The local health department responsible for identifying and contacting people who may have been exposed to the measles patient.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The national public health agency that has stated that two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles.
Dr. Steven Krager
The health officer for Benton and Franklin Counties, who has stated that the district has worked to prepare for any possible measles outbreak, which would be a 'big lift' for the agency.
What they’re saying
“If it does happen it is going to be a big lift for the agency.”
— Dr. Steven Krager, Health Officer, Benton and Franklin Counties
What’s next
The Walla Walla County Department of Community Health is working to identify and contact people who may have been exposed to the measles patient. No public places where exposures could have occurred are known.
The takeaway
This measles case in Walla Walla County highlights the ongoing need for high vaccination rates to prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases. Public health officials are working to contain the outbreak and urge residents to ensure they are fully vaccinated against measles.
