The Flathead Valley’s first case of measles since 1989 has been avoided, for now.

A measles test on a child with a rash came back negative on Thursday, according to Joe Russell, the Flathead County public health officer.

Measles, a highly infectious viral disease, had all but been eliminated from the United States, but it has made a comeback in recent years.

The test sent to the lab from the Flathead City-County Health Department detects possible measles molecules from throat or nasal swabs.

“The [test] came back negative,” Russell said. “The likelihood there is a case of measles in Flathead County has dropped significantly, but I can’t say it is zero.”

Several other children showing symptoms of childhood exanthems (a classic grouping of six infectious diseases causing childhood rashes) are still under investigation, but other, less infectious diseases are more likely at play. 

Russell said symptoms are looking more like “fifth disease,” as in the fifth of the six infectious exanthems. Fifth disease, also known as “slapped cheek syndrome” for the red faces it leaves children with, is caused by parvovirus B19.

Other diseases on the list include scarlet fever and rubella. 

The children showing symptoms of fifth disease have been in contact with one another and have attended school and school functions. 

“Everyone who has been in contact with them has been contacted,” Russell said. 

Measles, an incredibly infectious disease, can be spread through the air, through touching and even from touching a doorknob or something a symptomatic person has touched.

“If your child is showing these rash-like symptoms, in conjunction with symptoms like a sore throat and aching joints, get them to a medical provider,” Russell said. “But not without calling the provider first. Make clear the child has a rash.”

Russell said rumors of measles in the Flathead were overblown, but his department was monitoring any possible rash-like symptoms that could become something infectious.

The level of measles vaccination among school-age children is about the same level as the rest of the country, he said. However, the population at large could be slightly less vaccinated.

Reporter Ryan Murray may be reached at 758-4436 or by email at rmurray@dailyinterlake.com.