Public health officials confirmed a second case of measles in Flathead County this week, noting two potential locations for public exposure near Logan Health facilities.  

The Flathead City-County Health Department confirmed the case Thursday for an adult resident who recently traveled outside Montana. The individual’s vaccination status is unknown.  

Disease investigation staff determined two locations of public exposure during specific time frames: the Logan Health building known as “The Rock” at 350 Heritage Way in Kalispell on May 23 between 2:40 and 5:30 p.m. and the Logan Health Emergency Department at 350 Conway Drive in Kalispell on May 26 between 6:40 p.m. and 9:10 p.m.  

Anyone who visited those locations during the specific times and dates may have been exposed to measles, health officials said. 

Those concerned about exposure are encouraged to complete a self-assessment at form.jotform.com/251053694862159. 

As of Thursday, there were 13 confirmed cases of measles in Montana.  

Measles is a highly infectious disease that is spread primarily through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, releasing tiny droplets containing the virus. The droplets can linger in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours, making it possible for a person to contract the disease without direct contact.  

The disease typically begins with a fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and white spots inside the mouth. A red rash typically appears 14 days after exposure.  

Those experiencing symptoms are urged to isolate themselves at home and call their medical provider for further instructions.  

County officials confirmed the first case of measles in Flathead County on May 21. The individual, also an adult, was isolated at home, according to health officials.  

Montana saw its first case of measles since 1990 this year, according to the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. That case was reported in Gallatin County.   

The best protection against measles, according to the county, is the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, which is also known as the MMR vaccine.  

Herd immunity is reached when enough people are immune to a virus to hinder its spread. For measles, herd immunity is reached when roughly 94% of people are protected against the virus.  

The Flathead Valley is not at herd immunity, Logan Health pediatrician Ken Graham told the Inter Lake earlier this year. 

About 86% of Montana’s two-year-olds have at least one dose of MMR vaccine, according to the state Department of Public Health and Human Services. That is slightly lower than the national average of 90%.   

But the level of protection in Flathead County is unknown.    

While death rates have been falling worldwide as more children receive the measles vaccine, the virus still kills more than 200,000 people a year, according to the Mayo Clinic.  

“Any additional confirmed measles cases and associated exposure locations in Flathead County will be posted on the health department’s website moving forward,” said county Health Officer Jen Rankosky.  

The county measles page can be located at flatheadcounty.gov/department-directory/health/population-health/communicable-disease/measles.  

Reporter Kate Heston may be reached at 758-4459 or kheston@dailyinterlake.com.