Two unvaccinated children in Grant County from the same household have confirmed measles infections, prompting health officials to warn residents who may have b
Two unvaccinated children in Grant County from the same household have confirmed measles infections, prompting health officials to warn residents who may have been exposed and to double-check their vaccination status.
The Grant County Health District said it was notified Monday, Mar. 17, of the two confirmed cases. The children were likely exposed through recent out-of-country travel.Grant County Health District said a high percentage of county residents have immunity through routine vaccinations, so the risk to the general public is low. Officials said keeping measles risk manageable depends on eligible people staying up to date with the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine. “Now is the time to make sure you and your family are protected from measles. Check your vaccination records and get up to date with the MMR vaccine,” said Dr. Alexander Brzezny, Grant County health officer. “Measles is highly contagious and can lead to serious illness, but it’s also highly preventable. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at protecting against measles.”Health officials said the infected individuals were at the following locations while contagious before they were diagnosed. The listed times include the period the individuals were at each location and two hours afterward:March 10, 2026, 2:20 p.m. to 5:50 p.m.: Samaritan CareToday , 1550 S. Pioneer Way, Moses Lake. March 11, 2026, 2:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.: Samaritan Emergency Department, 2000 S. Clover Drive, Moses Lake. March 12, 2026, 9:05 p.m. to 12:10 a.m.: Samaritan Emergency Department, 2000 S. Clover Drive, Moses Lake.Grant County Health District said anyone who was at those locations during the listed times and is not up to date on MMR vaccination would most likely become sick between March 14 and April 2. The health district said it is working to identify and notify people who may have had contact with the infected person. People with weakened immune systems may take longer to experience symptoms. Health officials recommend that people who think they were exposed ensure they and their family are up to date on recommended measles vaccine doses and check immunization records through MyIR Mobile. Those who are not up to date should contact their doctor; the health district said getting the vaccine within 72 hours of exposure has a high chance of preventing illness. The health district also advised people who are pregnant, have a child under 6 months of age, or have a weakened immune system to contact a health care provider because there may be post-exposure treatment options. People who develop symptoms such as an unexplained rash should call their doctor immediately and notify the clinic before going in person to help prevent the spread. If a visit to a health care facility is necessary, the health district recommends wearing a well-fitting mask, preferably an N95 respirator, and immediately informing the facility about the exposure and symptoms. Those not up to date on MMR vaccination were also urged to limit contact with others, especially people without known immunity.Measles is a serious and highly contagious viral disease. Health officials said it can spread so easily that someone who is not protected by immunization or a past infection can get it by walking into a room where an infected person has been within the past couple of hours. The health district said a person is considered up to date with MMR if they have written documentation showing at least one of the following: Two doses of measles-containing vaccine for school-aged children and adults in high-risk settings, including post-high school students, health care personnel, or school nurses, and international travelers. One dose of measles-containing vaccine for preschool-aged children and adults not in high-risk settings.Birth before 1957 regardless of receiving MMR in the past, though the health district noted that for people who work in health care settings, immunity can only be verified through vaccine records or blood tests.Measles is contagious from about five days before a rash appears through four days after the rash appears, and people can spread it before the characteristic rash develops, according to the health district. Symptoms can include an unexplained rash, fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and tiny white spots inside the mouth that can appear two to three days after symptoms begin. The health district said people at the highest risk for complications include those who are unvaccinated, pregnant people, infants under 6 months of age, and people with weakened immune systems.Suspect arrested after causing nearly $250,000 in damage at Chihuly Garden and Glass Police say a man caused nearly a quarter of a million dollars in damage after breaking into Chihuly Garden and Glass and attacking a security guard.Thurston County on Tuesday signed off on an ordinance requiring people to obtain a Home Energy Score before listing a property for sale.Economists say gas prices in Washington jumped nearly 90 cents in just more than two weeks, averaging $5.06 a gallon, according to AAA.An atmospheric river has arrived in our region, creating a flood warning as the Snoqualmie River is expected to crest on Wednesday.A man riding an electric unicycle early Saturday morning was arrested on suspicion of DUI after deputies say he crashed into a ravine in unincorporated Port Orc
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