Measles exposure in Flathead County

The Flathead City-County Health Department (FCCHD) was notified that an individual with measles was infectious and had potential exposures in Flathead County from Sept. 8–11. FCCHD is currently aware of three public sites where the person went while visiting the county.  

The county is waiting for test results for a suspected case and anticipate that additional exposure sites may be identified. Any confirmed cases and exposure locations will be posted on the FCCHD website.

Measles can stay in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves. The listed times include the period when exposure occurred and two hours after. Individuals present only during these windows may have been exposed and should monitor for symptoms for 21 days after the exposure:  

Glacier Highland gift store and restaurant, 12555 Hwy 2E, West Glacier, MT 59936, Sept. 8-11.  

Logan Health Primary Care,1675 Talbot Road, Columbia Falls, MT 59912, Sept. 8 12-5 p.m.  

Amtrack Train #8 traveling eastbound on Sept. 11 from West Glacier.  

Those potentially exposed should complete the Measles Exposure Self-Assessment on the health department’s website.  

Measles is a very contagious disease that spreads mainly through the air. When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, tiny droplets containing the virus are released and can remain in the air for up to two hours. This means someone can get measles even without direct contact with the infected person. The virus can also spread by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the mouth, eyes, or nose. Measles usually starts with a fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, along with small white spots inside the cheeks. About 7 to 14 days after exposure, a red rash appears, beginning on the face and then spreading to the rest of the body.  

If you have symptoms of measles, call your healthcare provider right away. Please stay at home and do not have any guests or visitors until you are no longer contagious, or measles is ruled out.  

People immune through vaccination, lab-confirmed immunity or prior infection, or those born before 1957 are generally not considered at risk for infection. Unvaccinated individuals have about a 90% chance of infection if exposed.  

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best protection; two doses are about 97% effective. There have been no changes made to existing MMR vaccine recommendations in the US, and two doses have been recommended for children since 1989. If you are in need of an MMR vaccine, contact your healthcare provider, or schedule with FCCHD online or by calling 406-751-8110.