BONNERS FERRY — A measles case has been reported in Boundary County involving a child who is not yet school age, according to officials at Boundary Community Hospital.

The child had recently traveled outside the area, and hospital officials said they are working closely with public health officials to ensure all appropriate precautions are taken.

“While this situation is being actively managed, it highlights the importance of measles prevention through vaccination,” said Danielle Larsson, public information officer for Boundary Community Hospital. “The MMR vaccine — measles, mumps and rubella — remains the best defense against this highly contagious virus.”

At least seven other cases have been reported in Idaho this year — one each in Bonner and Kootenai counties and five in Bonneville County — according to data from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Two additional cases involving nonresident travelers have also been reported.

Measles is caused by a virus and spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, Larsson said. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after the person leaves the area.

“Approximately 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people exposed to measles will become infected,” she said.