Washington health officials report rising measles cases

Washington health officials say measles cases are rising; 24 cases confirmed in the state and nearly 1,000 nationwide this year. State kindergarten measles vaccination coverage was 90% in 2025, below a 95% threshold officials cited.

Washington health leaders are reporting a rise in measles cases and have warned parents. Officials said 24 cases have been confirmed in the state this year and nearly 1,000 across the United States. Measles had been essentially eliminated in the past, and officials say the trend has reversed. State data from 2025 shows about 90% of kindergartners received the measles vaccine, below the 95% level officials said is needed to reduce spread. Key points: - 24 confirmed measles cases in Washington this year. - Nearly 1,000 measles cases reported nationwide this year. - 2025 Washington kindergarten measles vaccination coverage reported at 90%, below the 95% level cited by officials. Summary: Officials said many Washington cases were in people who were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status, and they linked lower vaccination coverage to rising case counts. Undetermined at this time.