Health Advisory: Potential Exposure to Measles from Visitor at MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital

Action Requested

  • Be aware of a confirmed case from a Clark County resident who visited MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital on July 13, 2026 while infectious.
DateTimeLocation
July 13, 20265:30pm-6:30pmMultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital 2811 W Tieton Dr, Yakima, WA 98902  

OB Waiting Room 4th floor
  • Be aware individuals who were at the location at the times listed above and are not immune to measles, the most likely time they would become sick would be between July 23, 2026 to August 3, 2026. People who are immunocompromised may take longer to experience symptoms.
  • Be aware measles continues to pose a serious public health concern in Washington and across the country.
  • Be aware the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed 45 measles cases across eight counties this year.
  • Isolate and Prevent Exposure
    • Have a planned triage process for patients with fever and rash so these patients are not waiting in common areas with other people.
      • Patients with rash and fever should not stay in waiting rooms or other common areas.
    • Tell the patient to enter through a back door wearing a mask. Or see the patient outside away from others.
      • If possible, have the patient enter through a back door wearing a mask, or evaluate the patient outside away from others.
    • Immediately isolate patients with suspected measles in an airborne infection isolation room (AIIR) or a private room with the door closed.
    • Ensure all staff who will contact the patient have documented immunity to measles.
    • After patient is discharged, do not use or have staff enter the room for 2 hours.
  • Notify
    • Report suspected measles cases to the Yakima Health District at (509) 249-6541 immediately AND before discharging or transferring patients. For reporting after hours and weekend, call (509) 575-4040 Option 1.
  • Test  
    • Collect the following specimens on patients with suspected measles:
      • Nasopharyngeal swab placed in viral transport media; AND
      • Urine, minimum 20mL, in sterile leak proof container; AND
      • Serum, minimum 1mL, in red top or red-grey top tube
    • Be aware, commercial testing cannot differentiate between wild-type measles and the vaccine strain in individuals who were vaccinated within the past 45 days. If measles is highly suspected and the patient was vaccinated within the last 45 days, testing should be conducted through the public health lab with prior approval from the Yakima Health District (YHD).
  • Vaccinate

Background

The Yakima Health District was notified of a confirmed measles case from a Clark County resident who was at MultiCare Memorial Hospital on July 13, 2026 while infectious. They were traveling through Yakima County and only visited the hospital.

Most people in our area have immunity to measles through vaccination, and because the potential exposure is limited to a specific location and timeframe, the risk to the general public is low. However, individuals who were at the location of potential exposure to measles around the times listed should:

  • Find out whether they have been vaccinated against measles or have previously had measles. They should also ensure they are up to date with the recommended number of MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccinations. To check your vaccination history, visit myirmobile.com or talk to your healthcare provider.
  • Contact a healthcare provider promptly if they develop an illness with a fever or with an unexplained rash should. To avoid possible spreading measles to others, individuals should not go to a clinic or hospital without calling first to tell them they want to be checked for measles after an exposure. It is also important to limit contact with others, especially those without known immunity.

Measles illness starts with a prodrome of fever, cough, coryza, and conjunctivitis (typically lasting 2-4 days) and then a generalized maculopapular rash that typically begins on the face/head then spreads to the neck, trunk and extremities. Increases in measles cases and outbreaks are occurring in every region of the world.

CDC recommends all U.S. residents aged 6 months and older without evidence of immunity, who plan to travel internationally, get the MMR vaccine at least 2 weeks prior to departure. Infants 6 to 11 months of age who get the MMR vaccine before international travel should get an additional 2 doses of MMR according to the recommended schedule, after 1 year of age.

Report immediately

If you suspect measles or for any other questions about measles, please contact the Yakima Health District at (509) 249-6541. For reporting after hours and weekend, call (509) 575-4040 Option 1.

Resources for providers