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Measles confirmed in Teton County, Wyoming, as summer crowds flock to parks
East Idaho News • • health
Key Points:
- Wyoming health officials confirmed a measles case in an unvaccinated adult in Teton County and warned the public about possible exposure at locations in Grand Teton National Park and Jackson between June 17-25.
- The state has seen a resurgence of measles, with this being the second confirmed case in 2026 after Wyoming went 15 years without a case until 2025, when multiple cases were reported mostly among unvaccinated individuals.
- Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, but declining vaccination rates and increased public health skepticism, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, have contributed to its re-emergence.
- Wyoming’s kindergarten MMR vaccination rate is currently 93.6%, below the 95% threshold needed for community immunity, and has declined from above 97% in 2012-13, raising concerns about outbreak risks.
- Measles is highly contagious and can cause severe complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling, and death in 1-3 per 1,000 infected children, underscoring the importance of vaccination and monitoring for symptoms after exposure.
