Clark County Public Health has confirmed its first case of measles in 2026—a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination and rapid public health response across southwest Washington. The infected individual, an adult whose vaccination status is currently unknown, had recently traveled to a known outbreak area and later visited Ridgefield High School in mid-January.

According to officials, anyone who attended or visited Ridgefield High School on January 14 may have been exposed. Health authorities are working to identify and notify individuals who had close contact with the patient. Those potentially exposed are urged to check their vaccination records and monitor symptoms, which can include fever, cough, runny nose, and characteristic rash. Symptoms typically appear one to three weeks after exposure.

Clark County’s close proximity and daily movement of residents between Cowlitz County communities like Longview and Kelso underscore why regional awareness matters. Measles spreads through airborne droplets and remains one of the most contagious viruses known. Even a single case can endanger individuals whose immune systems are compromised, as well as infants too young for vaccination.

Public health officials continue emphasizing the importance of the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) as both a personal and community protection measure. Widespread immunization, they argue, isn’t just an individual act — it’s a civic duty that upholds the collective health and freedom of the community by preventing preventable outbreaks.

Further updates on this specific case and guidance for those potentially exposed will be provided by Clark County Public Health at clark.wa.gov/public-health.

Source: KOIN News