Panhandle Health confirms first measles case in Kootenai County since 1991

Panhandle Health District (PHD) has confirmed a case of measles in an unvaccinated child in Kootenai County, the first in an Idaho resident since 2023 and the first in the northern Panhandle since 1991. PHD is investigating how the child contracted the virus and is notifying locations the individual visited while infectious to alert those who may have been exposed. 

Measles is extremely contagious, spreading through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain airborne for up to two hours after the person has left. Symptoms typically appear 7-14 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a distinctive rash. While many recover fully, measles can cause serious complications, especially in young children and those with weakened immune systems. 

PHD urges residents to check their family’s vaccination status with their healthcare provider or through the Docket App. Individuals are considered immune if they were born before Jan. 1, 1957, have lab-confirmed measles, or have received two documented doses of the MMR vaccine. The vaccine is highly effective, and for most people, two childhood doses provide lifelong protection. In the U.S., the MMR vaccine is typically given at 12-15 months and again at 4-6 years. It can be administered as early as 6 months for those traveling to areas with outbreaks or during local transmission. 

Measles cases have been rising in the U.S. since 2024. In 2025, cases have already surpassed last year’s total, with reports from 41 jurisdictions, including Washington, Montana, Oregon and Wyoming. Thirteen percent of cases have required hospitalization, most involving children. 

If you or a family member develops symptoms of measles, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Call before visiting to avoid exposing others. For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/measles/about/index.html.