Measles response in Grant County ends, officials urge continued vigilance

EPHRATA — Grant County Health District has officially closed its measles response after no additional infections were linked to the two confirmed cases reported in March, the agency announced Monday.  

Six weeks have passed since those cases were identified, long enough for symptoms to appear in anyone exposed, according to the health district. 

Health Officer Dr. Alexander Brzezny said both children who were infected are recovering and no further spread occurred. 

“We are incredibly grateful that the children who were infected with measles last month are recovering well, and that no additional people became ill,” Brzezny said. “While our active response in Grant County has ended, measles activity continues in neighboring areas and across the state. We urge our community to stay alert and make sure they are up to date on the MMR vaccine.” 

Immunity and exposure guidance 

Health officials from the district said measles remains one of the most contagious viruses, infecting about 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people who are exposed. Having vaccination records readily available can help families avoid missed work or school during investigations. 

Under state law, people exposed to measles without proof of immunity must stay home for 21 days.  

Individuals are considered up to date on MMR if they meet one of the following: two documented MMR doses at age 4 or older, one documented dose for preschool‑aged children or adults not in high‑risk settings, laboratory confirmation of past measles infection or immunity or birth before 1957, unless working in healthcare, where immunity must be verified through records or blood tests. 

Grant County’s response 

During the March to April response, GCHD staff identified exposed individuals, coordinated testing, supported vaccination access and maintained communication with healthcare partners. 

Administrator Theresa Adkinson thanked residents and partners for helping prevent further spread. 

“We would like to thank the Grant County healthcare community, our partners at the Washington State Department of Health, the impacted family, and the people who were exposed, for their support and cooperation throughout this response,” said Adkinson, in a statement. “By taking steps to protect themselves and those around them, our community helped prevent further spread of measles in Grant County.” 

In Grant County, there were two confirmed infections that resulted in one hospitalization. From there, the district tested nine more subjects. Around 237 people were identified as exposed to measles and they have since been cleared, according to GCHD.  

Measles activity statewide and nationally 

Measles transmission remains active in Washington and across the nation.  

In Washington, there have been 39 cases statewide so far in 2026, according to the Washington Department of Health. These include 14 in Snohomish County, eight in Clark County, seven in Kittitas County, three in King County, three in Stevens County, two in Grant County, one in Spokane County and one in Walla Walla County.   

Nationally, the Center for Disease Control has reported 1,792 measles cases have been this year, 92% among people who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown.  

The MMR vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles and reduces severity in rare breakthrough infections, according to the CDC.