Measles is spreading in Montana. As of June 2, the state has 15 confirmed cases. Two of these individuals were hospitalized due to serious illness. From April 17 to May 5, Gallatin County Public Health reported eight cases. Over the past week, Gallatin reported two new confirmed cases, Hill County reported its first three cases and Flathead County reported its second case.
Cases are also increasing across the region. North Dakota has reported 27 cases and Canada is reporting multiple outbreaks. Measles, a highly infectious viral illness, spreads primarily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
It’s so contagious that 9 out of 10 people exposed will become infected if they are not protected. The illness typically begins with a high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and white spots in the mouth. About three to five days after symptoms begin, a red rash starts on the face and spreads downward to the rest of the body.
