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.

Measles can be dangerous, especially for babies, young children and those with weakened immune systems. It can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, swelling of the brain (encephalitis), and even death, health officials said.

Common symptoms appear seven to 14 days after exposure and can include a high fever — often over 104 degrees — a cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, and a rash that typically appears three to five days after symptoms begin.

Hospital officials said that if symptoms appear, individuals should call their health care provider before going in, to help prevent spreading the virus to others in the waiting room. The sick individual should be isolated and avoid contact with those who are unvaccinated or vulnerable.

Hospital officials encouraged community members to review their vaccination records and ensure they are fully immunized with the MMR vaccine.

“The vaccine provides safe and effective protection against measles and its complications,” Larsson said. “Individuals who are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated are at significantly higher risk of infection during an outbreak.”

For information about vaccination locations or concerns about exposure, residents should contact their health care provider or the Panhandle Health District.

“Boundary Community Hospital remains committed to protecting the health and safety of our patients, staff and community,” Larsson said. “We want to thank the public for their assistance in helping to mitigate the risk to our community.”