Health officials issue measles alert in wake of increasing cases

Health officials are working to alert Montana residents about the possibility of contracting measles, particularly for those traveling abroad.

According to a press release from the Montana Health Alert Network, the state Department of Health and Human Services is asking residents to be vigilant while traveling abroad because there are multiple outbreaks of measles around the world.

While no measles cases have been found in Montana since 1990, officials in Seattle and King County investigated a confirmed case involving a child in May.

According to a U.S. Centers for Disease Control report on June 8, there were a total of 16 measles cases reported by 11 jurisdictions. Officials in Maine, Kentucky, New Jersey, California, Washington and Ohio have also reported cases this year.
Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable illness that remains a public health concern. It is a viral illness that spreads to 9 out of 10 exposed unvaccinated close contacts. Cases of measles have been reported in unvaccinated travelers returning to the U.S., particularly in unvaccinated children.

It typically begins with a fever, cough, runny nose and pink eye, lasting two to four days prior to rash onset. Measles can cause severe health complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and death.

The virus is transmitted by direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. Measles virus can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.

Measles is transmitted by contact with an infected person through coughing and sneezing. Infected people are contagious from four days before the rash starts through four days afterward. The incubation period for measles from exposure to fever is usually about 10 days (range seven to 12 days) and from exposure to rash onset is usually about 14 days (range seven to 21 days).

Declines in measles vaccination rates globally during the COVID-19 pandemic have increased the risk of larger measles outbreaks worldwide, including in the U. S.

Health expects are recommending that all patients without other evidence of immunity, especially those planning international travel, are up to date on MMR vaccine and other recommended vaccines before their international travel.

The CDC recommends that all U.S. residents older than six months of age who will travel internationally, without evidence of immunity, receive MMR vaccine prior to leaving.

Infants six months through 11 months of age should receive one dose of MMR vaccine before departure. Infants who receive a dose of MMR vaccine before their first birthday should receive two more doses of MMR vaccine, the first of which should be administered when the child is 12 through 15 months of age and the second at least 28 days later.

Children 12 months of age or older should receive two doses of MMR vaccine, separated by at least 28 days. Teenagers and adults without evidence of measles immunity should have documentation of two doses of MMR vaccine separated by at least 28 days.

Cases of measles are reportable in the US and Montana. If a patient is suspected to have measles, please immediately notify your local health department. The Lincoln County Health Department can be reached at 283-2447. If you are unable to contact the local public health department, please call Montana DPHHS at 406-444-0273. This number is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Healthcare providers should review MMR vaccination recommendations for international travel included in the attached CDC HAN. International travel vaccine recommendations may differ from routine vaccination schedules.

MMR vaccine can be found at local and tribal health departments, healthcare provider offices and many pharmacies.