PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:

Confirmed Case of Measles in Kittitas County

Kittitas County, WA - 04/03/2026 - The Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) is working with the Washington State Department of Health regarding an individual who has tested positive for measles. The individual is currently ill and staying home to heal. KCPHD is working closely with the individual and household members to monitor the situation.
The individual was home once symptoms of illness appeared and the medical facility that provided initial screening utilized protocol that stopped further exposure. KCPHD is monitoring household members closely and will notify the public if there are any exposure locations.

“We have no known source of exposure for this individual,” states Health Officer Dr. Mark Larson. “With the amount of measles that is occurring in our state and elsewhere, it is not surprising to be unable to determine how exposure occurred.”

The public should be aware that measles is highly contagious! The virus is spread when someone who is infected coughs, sneezes, or shares food or drink. Measles can remain in the air for up to two hours.

Measles symptoms usually start with a mild to moderate fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and sore throat. After two to three days, tiny white spots may appear inside the mouth on the inner lining of the check. At the same time, the fever may get worse and a red or reddish-brown spotted rash starts. It usually begins on a person’s face and spreads downward.

The best protection against measles is a two-shot regimen of the MMR vaccine. KCPHD recommends that community members take an opportunity to ensure that you and your family are up to date. To confirm you and your family are protected against the virus, please visit MyIRMobile to review your vaccination history online. If you received the MMR vaccination at a providers office or pharmacy, you can also contact that agency for your record.

For more information about measles, please visit Measles | Washington State Department of Health. If you have questions about your vaccination status, please contact your local healthcare provider. Measles is highly contagious, so please call before you visit a medical facility if you believe you have been exposed or are symptomatic.

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Received too late to make the print edition this week, but here is the info on the FREE Door-to-Door Wildfire Preparation Information being done by the American Red Cross in partnership with KC Fire District #7 in the Sun Country and Elk Meadows neighborhoods this Saturday, March 21, 2026 from 10AM-2PM. Watch the Tribune for coverage of this event.