First measles cases confirmed in Montana
The Department of Public Health and Human Services and the Gallatin City-County Health Department are reporting Montana’s first cases of measles since 1990.
The GCCHD is investigating five confirmed cases of measles.
The individuals are children and adults who were exposed to measles while traveling outside of Montana.
They all reside in Gallatin County and are currently isolated at home.
All five individuals are unvaccinated, or vaccine status is unknown, according to DPHHS.
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The GCCHD is assessing any potential exposures while the individuals were contagious and contacting those who may have been exposed, according to the agencies. People potentially exposed are being provided with information about the exposure date and disease symptoms to watch out for.
The GCCHD has determined that there are points of exposure to the general public. Potential exposures to the public can be found on the GCCHD website and will be updated as needed or as more information becomes available, according to DPHHS.
The spread of measles can occur before people know they have the disease, and before any rash appears. The times listed on the GCCHD website include the period when the exposure occurred and two hours after.
In March, the Cascade County City-County Health Department sent a letter to all daycares and private schools in the county to provide guidance and Great Falls Public Schools sent a similar letter.
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Heather Hoyer, GFPS superintendent, said during the March 24 school board meeting that measles is on their mind, knowing that people often travel during the upcoming spring break.
She said they’re working to be prepared and hoping GFPS doesn’t have to deal with any cases.
CCHD said in their letter to daycares and private schools that there’s a multi-state outbreak and that those traveling should be aware of the local measles risk in the places they plan to visit.
“CCHD is working closely with partners within the school systems and other organizations to prepare for a possible measles response. In the event of a measles outbreak within a school building, childcare facility, or similar setting, all families will receive a general notification to make them aware and provide any other CCHD guidance,” according to CCHD’s letter.
Individuals who are immune to measles through vaccination, laboratory evidence of immunity, laboratory confirmation of disease, or were born before 1957 are not considered at risk for infection.
Individuals without prior measles infection or vaccination have a 90 percent likelihood of contracting the disease if exposed.
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“While it is unfortunate to have cases of measles after 35 years of disease inactivity in Montana, we have been working diligently with our local partners to prepare,” DPHHS Public Health Physician Dr. Maggie Cook-Shimanek said in a release. “We are confident that our public health and clinical partners will work together and address this situation as quickly as possible. It is important for everyone to know their vaccination status and to visit with their health department or health care provider if they are unsure.”
As of April 10, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, there are 712 confirmed measles cases reported by 25 jurisdictions: Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York State, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont and Washington.
The CDC is now updating its measles outbreak page weekly.
If you are unsure of your vaccination status, here are a few ways to find out:
- call your old high school, college, or university and ask if they have vaccination records.
- contact your doctor’s office, urgent care or pediatrician. Even if you have not been there in years, they may still have records.
- reach out to the health department where you grew up.
- check your home state immunization registries.
Measles is a highly infectious airborne disease that typically begins with a fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, white spots in the mouth, and a red rash that appears about 14 days after exposure. The rash usually starts on the face and spreads downward to the rest of the body. It is particularly dangerous for infants for whom vaccination is generally not recommended until 12 months of age. Maintaining a high level of vaccination in the community helps protect infants who are too young to be vaccinated, as well as individuals who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons, according to DPHHS
“Measles is highly contagious and highly preventable with vaccination, and ensuring people are immunized remains our best defense. If people are unable to find their vaccine records, there are no contraindications to receiving an additional dose,” Dr. Peter Bulger, GCCHD medical director, said in a release.
Measles continues to be prevalent in many regions worldwide, resulting in an estimated 300 deaths every day.
Cases in the U.S. are generally rare but have been increasing in recent years.
The best way to protect against measles is vaccination. No changes have been made to the existing measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine recommendations in the United States. Two doses of MMR, a measles-containing vaccine that protects against measles, mumps and rubella, are 97 to 99 percent effective in preventing measles. Measles vaccines have been available in the U.S. since 1963, and two doses have been recommended for children since 1989.
“We are actively working with individuals who are experiencing symptoms,” Lori Christenson, Gallatin City-County health officer, said in a release. “We greatly appreciate the cooperation of those involved in helping mitigate further exposures. We encourage anyone who is not vaccinated or unsure of their vaccination history to consider vaccination and to contact your health care provider or GCCHD. By getting vaccinated we protect ourselves and others around us from infection.”
In Cascade County, vaccines are available at CCHD (406-454-6950), Alluvion Health (406-454-6973), or from your primary medical provider.
If you are experiencing symptoms of measles, call ahead to your medical provider or health care facility before visiting, since measles is highly contagious, according to CCHD.
For more information about measles and the measles vaccine, visit the state health department’s website. Additional information can also be found on the CDC’s website.
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