Washington Measles Cases Climb to 26 as Seattle Health Officials Monitor Local Risks
Seattle, WA – March 10, 2026 – State health officials report 26 measles cases in Washington this year, with outbreaks driving concern in the Seattle area.
Washington health officials are reporting a sharp rise in measles cases in early 2026, as Public Health – Seattle & King County and regional hospitals monitor local exposure risks and vaccination gaps.
Statewide Measles Cases Increase
The Washington State Department of Health confirmed 26 measles cases across four counties during the first two months of 2026. That total already exceeds the 12 cases reported statewide for all of 2025. More than half of this year’s cases are linked to outbreaks involving three or more related infections.
Nationally, the United States has surpassed 1,100 measles cases so far this year, according to state and federal updates cited by health officials. Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, but periodic outbreaks continue to occur, particularly in areas with lower vaccination coverage.
Local Monitoring in Seattle and King County
Public Health – Seattle & King County recently notified the community about a measles case involving a traveler who passed through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport earlier this year. While that case was not tied to a broader Seattle outbreak, officials continue to monitor exposures and update public guidance as needed.
Seattle Children’s Hospital, in a March 4 viral illness update to providers, noted that national measles case counts continue to rise in 2026. Hospital leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining routine immunizations as part of standard pediatric care.
What Residents Should Know
The Department of Health states that the MMR vaccine remains the most effective protection against measles and is part of Washington’s routine childhood immunization schedule. Public health agencies advise residents to check official state and county health department websites for updates on confirmed cases and exposure locations.
Health officials continue to stress that vaccination helps prevent further spread during outbreaks and protects infants and others who cannot be vaccinated.
If you have urgent symptoms, seek medical care. For general questions, talk with a licensed clinician.
