Measles alert issued in Fremont County
LANDER (WNE) — State health officials have confirmed Wyoming’s first measles case of 2026 has been identified in Fremont County, prompting local health providers to remind residents to watch carefully for symptoms and follow specific protocol before seeking care.
According to the Wyoming Department of Health, the patient’s vaccination status is unconfirmed.
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can lead to severe complications, particularly for infants, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems. Fifteen measles cases were reported in Wyoming in 2025.
A Department of Health press release said members of the public may have been exposed at two Wyoming locations: the Riverton Walmart Supercenter on April 24 from 6:30–9 p.m. and the Maverik convenience store in Powell on April 25 from 10:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The measles virus can remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.
People who may have been exposed are advised to monitor for symptoms for 21 days following the exposure date. Symptoms typically appear seven to 21 days after infection and can include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a rash that usually begins on the face before spreading downward.
Dr. Alexia Harrist, Wyoming’s state health officer, urged residents to take precautions if symptoms develop.
“If you believe you have been exposed and develop symptoms, please contact your healthcare provider or local emergency room or urgent care by telephone,” Harrist said.
The Department of Health website notes that measles is preventable through vaccination. Two doses of measles, mumps, or rubella vaccine (MMR) are about 97% effective at preventing infection, and people born before 1957 or who have received the vaccine are generally considered immune.
Additional information about measles cases and exposure locations in Wyoming are available on the Wyoming Department of Health’s website – health.wyo.gov.
This story was published on May 2, 2026.