Montana Reports Multiple Measles Cases Including First in Decades in Lewis and Clark

Lewis and Clark County, Montana, has confirmed its first measles case in decades involving a minor who had received one dose of the MMR vaccine, with no evidence of community transmission or public exposure sites. Public health officials emphasize that the majority of the local population is fully immunized, and there is no reason for panic, encouraging residents to stay informed and get vaccinated if not fully protected. The infected individual’s last infectious day was August 12, and a non-immunized household contact is quarantined without symptoms. Contact tracing efforts are underway, with no connection to local daycares or summer programs. Montana has seen about 30 measles cases this summer, including two hospitalizations but no deaths. Residents are advised to monitor symptoms and check their vaccination status via public health resources as officials continue to track and respond to the outbreak.