Measles in Montana

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, along with the Gallatin City-County Health Department, has confirmed the state’s first cases of measles since 1990. At this time, all five confirmed cases are in Gallatin County and are currently isolated at home. The individuals had recently traveled outside of Montana and are either unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination status.

While no cases have been reported in our local areas, we encourage everyone to remain vigilant and informed.

What are the signs and symptoms of measles:

• High fever (≥101°F or 38.3°C)
• Cough
• Runny Nose (Coryza)
• Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
• Tiny white spots in the mouth (Koplik spots)
• Rash (maculopapular)

From the time someone is exposed, it typically takes 11–12 days for the first measles symptoms to appear, with a range of 7-21 days. After initial symptoms, a rash follows 2–4 days later and usually lasts 5–6 days. Measles is infectious 4 days before and 4 days after rash onset. It is highly contagious, spreads through the air, and can linger in the air for up to 2 hours after the infected person has left the room.

Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your family. The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective. Two doses of MMR are about 97% effective at preventing measles and one does is about 93% effective.

If you suspect your child has measles, or if you have questions, please call the Logan Health Nurse Call Center at (406) 890-7272.

Am I protected from measles?

You are protected from measles if you have written documentation (records) showing at least one of the following:

• You received two doses of measles-containing vaccine, and you are:
  • A school-aged child (grades K-12)
  • An adult who will be in a setting that poses a high risk for measles transmission (including students at post-high school education institutions, healthcare personnel, and international travelers)
• You received one dose of measles-containing vaccine, and you are:
  • A preschool-aged child
  • An adult who will not be in a high-risk setting for measles transmission
• A laboratory confirmed that you had measles at some point in your life.
• A laboratory confirmed that you are immune to measles.
• You were born before 1957.

How do I find out my measles vaccination status?

If you are unsure of your vaccination status, here are a few places you can review:

• Check your home state immunization registries.
• Reach out to the health department where you grew up.
• Call your old high school, college, or university and ask if they have vaccination records.
• Log on to your Logan Health Patient Portal or contact your local hospital’s medical records department:
• Logan Health Medical Center (406) 752-1740
• Logan Health – Whitefish (406) 863-3547
• Logan Health – Chester (406) 759-5181
• Logan Health – Conrad (406) 271-3211
• Logan Health – Cut Bank (406) 873-3675
• Logan Health – Shelby (406) 434-3208