The Flathead City-County Health Department (FCCHD) has confirmed a second case of measles
in a Flathead County resident who has reported recent travel outside of Montana. There is no
clear indication of the exact point of exposure and there is no connection with the previous
case reported in Flathead County. This individual is an adult and is currently isolating at home
following recent hospitalization for the illness. The vaccination status of the individual is
unknown at this time.
FCCHD disease investigation staff have determined two locations of public exposure. FCCHD
recommends that anyone who visited the following locations only during the specified dates
and times may have been exposed to measles.
Location: The Logan Health building, also known as “The Rock,” located at 350 Heritage
Way, Kalispell, MT 59901, which includes the following Logan Health Clinics:
o Heart and Lung
o Hematology & Oncology
o Orthopedics & Sports Medicine- Heritage
o Urology
Date & Time: Friday, May 23rd between 2:40pm – 5:30pm
Location: Logan Health Emergency Department, 350 Conway Drive Kalispell, MT 59901
o Date & Time: Monday, May 26th between 6:40pm – 9:10pm
Those who may have been exposed can utilize the health department’s Measles Exposure Self-
Assessment tool to help determine their next steps: Measles Exposure Self Assessment.
“Any additional confirmed measles cases and associated exposure locations in Flathead County
will be posted on the health department’s website moving forward.” said Health Officer Jen
Rankosky. The health department is working closely with the Montana Department of Public
Health and Human Services (DPHHS) through the investigation process. Any updated
information will be made available on the health department’s website, Measles :: Flathead
County.
Measles is a highly infectious disease that is spread primarily through the air when an infected
person coughs, sneezes, or talks, releasing tiny droplets that carry the virus. These droplets can
linger in the air for up to 2 hours, making it possible for a person to contract the disease even if
they had no direct contact with the infectious person. Measles can also be spread through
touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth, eyes, or nose. Measles typically
begins with a fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and white spots inside the cheeks, and a red
rash that appears about 14 days after exposure. The rash usually starts on the face and spreads
downward to the rest of the body.
If you are experiencing measles symptoms, call your healthcare provider right away. Your
provider will tell you how to get care safely without exposing others. Please stay at home and
do not have any guests or visitors until you are no longer contagious, or measles is ruled out
Individuals who are immune to measles through vaccination, laboratory evidence of immunity,
laboratory confirmation of disease, or were born before 1957, are not considered at risk for
infection. Individuals with no prior measles infection or vaccination have a 90% likelihood of
contracting the disease if exposed.
The best protection against measles is the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. MMR
vaccine provides long-lasting protection against measles. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are
about 97% effective. There have been no changes made to the existing MMR vaccine
recommendations in the US, and two doses have been recommended for children since 1989. If
you are in need of the MMR vaccine, please contact your healthcare provider. FCCHD also has
MMR vaccine available, individuals can schedule an appointment online or call 406-751-8110.