FREMONT COUNTY, Wyo. — The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) has reported five cases of measles among residents in Fremont County. These cases are linked, with the initial exposure occurring outside the state. After that, the virus spread among nearby contacts.
All five individuals, a mix of adults and children, were unvaccinated at the time they were exposed. Thankfully, none ended up needing hospitalization. This year, Wyoming has seen a total of 14 measles cases.
If you were at the Flying J Travel Center in Evanston on December 1, 2025, between 2:30 and 5 p.m., there’s a chance you may have been exposed to the virus. Remember, the measles virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after someone infected leaves the area.
The WDH has stated that measles is extremely contagious and can lead to serious health issues like pneumonia or even death. Immunization plays a vital role in prevention. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is effective and long-lasting. WDH urges residents to make sure they and their children are up to date with their MMR vaccinations.
Getting vaccinated is easy. MMR vaccines are available at many healthcare locations across Wyoming, including pharmacies and public health offices. In Fremont County, you can get the vaccine at public health offices in Riverton and Lander.
In light of this outbreak, it’s worth noting that vaccination rates have fluctuated in the past years. According to a study by the CDC, states with lower vaccination rates are more vulnerable to outbreaks. In 2022, around 84% of preschoolers in the U.S. received their MMR vaccine on time, which is below the 95% coverage needed for herd immunity. As the data highlights, high vaccination rates are crucial in preventing such outbreaks.
For more information on measles and what to do if you think you’ve been exposed, check out the WDH’s webpage: Wyoming Department of Health Measles Information.
