Measles reported in Gallatin County; state's first cases in 35 years
Health department staff members enter the Andrews County Health Department measles clinic carrying doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in Andrews, Texas. (AP Photo/Annie Rice)
State health officials on Thursday reported Montana’s first cases of measles since 1990.
The Gallatin City-County Health Department is investigating five confirmed cases of the highly infectious airborne disease, according to a press release from the state Department of Public Health and Human Services.
The infected individuals are children and adults who were exposed to measles while traveling outside of Montana. They were isolated at their home in Gallatin County. All five individuals are unvaccinated, or vaccine status is unknown, the state reports.
The confirmation puts Montana among two dozen states with reported cases. U.S. measles cases topped 700 as of last week, and two children and an adult have died.
The Gallatin County Health Department on Thursday was working to assess potential exposures while the infected individuals were contagious and are contacting the people who may have been exposed.
Officials said they had determined that there were points of exposure to the general public, as well. Potential exposures to the public can be found on the county Health Department's website. The spread of measles can occur before people know they have the disease, and before any rash appears, the press release warned.
“We are actively working with individuals who are experiencing symptoms,” said Lori Christenson, Gallatin City-County Health Officer. “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 [the Health Department]. By getting vaccinated we protect ourselves and others around us from infection.”
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, the release stated. Individuals without prior measles infection or vaccination have a 90% likelihood of contracting the disease if exposed.
“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,” said DPHHS Public Health Physician, Dr. Maggie Cook-Shimanek. “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.”
Measles 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, officials said.
“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,” said Dr. Peter Bulger, GCCHD Medical Director.