Measles is on the move: Case reported in Walla Walla County
By Terry Murry on Friday, April 3rd, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WASHINGTON & OREGON – The Walla Walla County Department of Community Health (WWCDCH) reports a confirmed measles case in an unvaccinated Walla Walla County resident has occurred. The person was exposed to the virus during international travel.
This is the first reported case in the county and is the 32nd case reported in Washington state in 2026. The person did spend time in the county during the contagious period, but WWCDCH states, “There are currently no known public exposure locations.”
The department’s release further adds it will identify and notify those in close contact that were exposed. It will also provide updates as they become available. WWCDCH also says that the measles incubation period is typically seven to 21 days. Those who are not immune to measles could experience symptoms between April 4 and April 2026.
None of the other cases reported in the state of Washington were in Walla Walla County. There have been a total of 32 cases. Only 21 of those are linked to an outbreak in the state. Of those cases, only three individuals have required hospitalization according to the Washington State Department of Health.
The Oregon Health Authority reports a total of 13 measles cases so far in 2026. Of those 12 people had not been vaccinated and one had only had one dose of the vaccine. None have been hospitalized at last report. The biggest outbreak is in the Portland area.
The most recent point of exposure announced by OHA was at the Portland Safeway on Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard. The contagious person was there between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. March 26, between 2 p.m. and midnight March 27, between 2:20 p.m. and midnight March 28, and between 2 p.m. and midnight March 29.
Other measles cases have been reported in West Linn, Gresham, Portland, Salem, and Oregon City.
More information about measles in Washington can be found at Measles Cases in Washington State | Washington State Department of Health.
More information about measles in Oregon can be found at Oregon Health Authority : Measles / Rubeola (vaccine-preventable) : Diseases A to Z : State of Oregon.
The website for Walla Walla County Department of Community Health is Walla Walla County Department of Community Health | Walla Walla County Department of Health WA.
Photo of the rash typical of measles from the Centers for Disease Control
