Two GC children have measles; 1st local cases in over a decade

MOSES LAKE — Two children from the same household in Grant County have confirmed cases of measles, the Grant County Health District reported on Wednesday, March 18.

Neither child was vaccinated, and both were likely exposed to the contagious disease during recent out-of-country travel, according to a press release from the health district, which was notified of the cases on Tuesday. One child was initially hospitalized, but both children are now recovering at home.

They are the first confirmed case of measles in Grant County since a local outbreak in 2008-2009, said GCHD public information officer Lexi Smith.

Health officials say a high percentage of Grant County residents likely have immunity to measles through routine vaccinations, so the risk of infection to the general public is considered low.

But members of the public are encouraged to check their personal immunization status and make sure children are up to date with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, said Grant County Health Officer Dr. Alexander Brzezny.  

Immunization records can be viewed at MyIR Mobile.

"Now is the time to make sure you and your family are protected from measles. Measles is highly contagious and can lead to serious illness, but it’s also highly preventable,” said Brzezny.

Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at protecting against infection. Getting the vaccine within 72 hours of being exposed has a high chance of preventing illness. Children normally get the MMR vaccine at one year and four years of age.

The health district has determined times and locations in Moses Lake where the infected children were prior to their measles diagnoses:

—    Saturday, March 7, 9:20 a.m. to 1 p.m., Confluence Direct Care (walk-in clinic), 840 E. Hill Ave.;

—    Tuesday, March 10, 2:20-5:50 p.m., Samaritan Care Today (family care), 1550 S. Pioneer Way;

—    Wednesday, March 11, 2:15-8:30 p.m., Samaritan Emergency Department, 2000 S. Clover Drive;

—    Thursday, March 12, 9:05 p.m. to 12:10 a.m., Samaritan Emergency Department, 2000 S. Clover Drive.

 Persons at the locations during those times and up to two hours afterward could have been exposed. If unvaccinated or not up to date on their MMR immunizations, exposed individuals most likely would or will become sick between Saturday, March 14 and Thursday, April 2.

According to the Washington Department of Health, there are 28 confirmed cases of measles in the state as of March 18. Grant County is now one of five counties with documented cases: the others are Snohomish (14), Clark (eight), Stevens (three), and Kittitas (one). Nationwide, there are 1,362 confirmed cases as of March 12, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The majority of cases involve unvaccinated persons, particularly in ongoing outbreaks in South Carolina and Utah.

Anyone developing symptoms of measles, such as an unexplained rash, should call a health care provider immediately. But officials say it is important to notify a doctor or clinic in advance before going in person to help prevent spread of the diseases. A well-fitting mask, preferably a N95 respirator, should be worn in the health-care facility and staff should be immediately informed upon entry of possible exposure.

Measles is a serious and highly contagious disease caused by a virus. It spreads so easily that someone who is not protected from immunization or a past infection can get it if they walk into a room where someone with the disease has been in the past couple of hours.

Along with unvaccinated persons, pregnant women, children under six months of age, and persons with weakened immune systems may face increased risks if they are exposed to the virus.

Measles symptoms include unexplained rash, fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes, and tiny white spots inside the mouth two to three days after other symptoms begin.

Editor's note: this article was updated at 7:15 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 to include reported cases in Washington state and nationwide. It also includes information on measles symptoms and persons at increased risk of complications if infected.