Press Release
Public Health

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Active Response to Measles Case in Kittitas County Ends

Kittitas County, WA - 02/02/2026 - The Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) is no longer actively responding to the case of measles identified in Kittitas County last month. All close contacts who were being monitored have passed the quarantine date and no longer need to stay home. There have been no additional reports of individuals with symptoms. As a result, KCPHD is also closing the measles call center. We want to thank students, staff, faculty, and partners like Central Washington University and Kittitas Valley Healthcare.

KCPHD will continue surveillance for any other signs of measles activity in the community. Measles cases in other parts of Washington and the United States increase the risk of new measles cases in Kittitas County.
 
Now is the time to check for your vaccination records.  “We encourage everyone to check for their vaccination records and ensure they are up to date,” states Communicable Disease Manager Kate Johnson.  “Vaccinations protect against preventable diseases. Another benefit is that individuals who are up to date with vaccines and have a record are not required to quarantine if they are exposed to the measles.”
 
To search for your vaccination records:

• Check with the medical provider’s office where you received vaccinations.
• Visit the Washington State Immunization Registry at MyIRMobile - MyIR Mobile.
• If you cannot locate your vaccination records, please discuss next steps with your medical provider.

 
To read more about recommended child and adolescent immunization schedule, please visit AAP-Immunization-Schedule.pdf.  “If you have questions about vaccines, please reach out to your medical provider, so you can have a conversation and get answers,” states Ms. Johnson.
 
Vaccinations can protect against illnesses like RSV, HPV, flu, measles, chickenpox, and more.  To read more about immunizations and vaccines, please visit Immunizations and Vaccines | Washington State Department of Health
 
Immunizations provide protection against disease.  The measles vaccine, for example is 97% effective in preventing measles.  Immunizations are available at your doctor’s office and pharmacies, and childhood vaccines are available at KCPHD.  If you would like to schedule a time for childhood vaccinations or have questions, please contact the Kittitas County Public Health Department at 509-962-7515.
 

• Response to Measles Case in Kittitas County Ends.pdf
• SPANISH Response to Measles Case in Kittitas County Ends.pdf

Kittitas County, from the Cascades to the Columbia, and online at http://www.co.kittitas.wa.us

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Contact: Kasey Knutson, Public Information Officer, 509-962-7515