Dec. 26, 2025. Reno/Sparks, Nev. – Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) is reporting the first measles case in Washoe County since 2018.

The resident who tested positive for measles on Friday, Dec. 26, 2025, is an unvaccinated adult male who was hospitalized. NNPH is following up with close contacts.

The investigation is ongoing. It is unknown where the person contracted measles. Initial information determined the person remained home while infectious.

If more information is obtained that impacts the community at-large, it will be released; however, NNPH is bound by law to protect the privacy of the person who tested positive.

“NNPH found out today that a resident tested positive for measles and it was imperative that we notify the public immediately,” said Dr. Chad Kingsley, District Health Officer for NNPH. “Our staff is working to gather more details to help minimize any spread. In the meantime, we advise that people monitor any symptoms for measles, check their vaccine status, and, if necessary, contact any medical provider before visiting with any medical-related questions.”

Important information about measles:

• Measles is a potentially serious illness that can lead to hospitalization or death.
• Those at higher risk for severe illness include children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
• Measles is extremely contagious – the virus can be transmitted through the air we breathe.
  • The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has vacated the area.
• Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes.
  • A rash usually emerges one to four days after initial symptoms.
• People who have measles are typically most contagious about four days before the rash appears and four days afterward.
• The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective in preventing illness – two doses provide about 97 percent protection.
• Symptoms of measles can show within seven to 21 days following exposure.
• Those experiencing symptoms should remain at home, avoid public places and interactions with others, and call ahead before visiting a health care facility to allow providers to take appropriate precautions and prevent additional exposure.

More information about measles can be found on the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) website.

The last case of measles in Washoe County was reported in April of 2018.

NNPH continues to monitor all communicable diseases in Washoe County and is working with providers to ensure proper testing and safety protocols are being met. If investigation efforts reveal more information that is pertinent to Washoe County residents, it will be released on our website and NNPH social media channels.

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Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through the policy-making District Board of Health. NNPH consists of five divisions: Administrative Health Services, Air Quality Management, Community and Clinical Health Services, Environmental Health Services and Epidemiology & Public Health Preparedness. More info can be found here.