Two Flathead County residents test positive as U.S. sees surge in measles fueled by declining vaccination rates
By Mariah Benson, Senior Correspondent
Montana has confirmed its first measles cases in more than 30 years, highlighting a concerning national resurgence of the highly contagious disease that experts once hoped was all but eliminated from the United States.
State health officials verified two adult cases in Flathead County, both tied to recent out-of-state travel. These are the first documented measles infections in Montana since 1990, breaking a decades-long streak of disease absence and sparking increased public health vigilance.
The infected individuals are currently in home isolation, and no public exposure sites have been identified. As investigations into the sources continue, medical professionals are urging the public to review vaccination records and practice heightened awareness.
A Troubling Return of a Vaccine-Preventable Disease
Flathead County’s two confirmed measles cases were announced earlier this week by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). Officials said both adults had recently traveled out of state and likely contracted the virus elsewhere before returning home.
Dr. Cory Short, Chief Medical Officer at Logan Health in Kalispell, emphasized the seriousness of the situation:
“It’s always concerning when measles returns after being gone for decades. We’re dealing with a highly contagious disease that had been controlled through vaccination, and now it’s made a comeback.”
No additional local cases have yet been confirmed, but clinics and hospitals across the county have ramped up surveillance, particularly among patients presenting with fever, rash, and respiratory symptoms.
Statewide Spread Prompts Emergency Measures
The two Flathead cases are part of a broader outbreak that has affected four counties across Montana. As of mid-June 2025, state officials report 20 confirmed measles cases:
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Gallatin County: 12
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Hill County: 4
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Flathead County: 2
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Yellowstone County: 2
Two patients have required hospitalization, though no deaths have been reported in the state.
In response, public health authorities have issued targeted immunization guidance, particularly in Gallatin and Hill counties where outbreaks are most severe. This includes:
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Accelerated MMR vaccine schedules for infants
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Additional doses for adults with uncertain vaccine histories
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Enhanced screening protocols for school-age children and travelers
Logan Health has launched a measles incident response task force made up of more than 30 medical professionals. The team is coordinating with state and local officials to streamline diagnostic procedures, quarantine protocols, and community outreach campaigns.
National Crisis: Measles on the Rise Across 34 States
Montana’s outbreak is part of a nationwide surge. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 1,197 confirmed cases of measles in 2025 across 34 states and territories—the highest annual figure since 2019.
Experts attribute the rise to a combination of:
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Falling vaccination rates due to vaccine hesitancy
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Misinformation campaigns on social media
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Disruptions to routine pediatric care during the COVID-19 pandemic
Texas leads the country in reported cases, with over 700 infections and two pediatric deaths. Kansas has recorded more than 20 fatalities, mostly among children under five.
“Measles is not a mild illness,” CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen recently stated. “It can cause permanent complications or death, especially in young children. The resurgence is a wake-up call about the critical role of vaccines in public health.”
Measles Explained: Symptoms, Spread, and Severity
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known to science. An infected person can transmit the virus to up to 90% of nearby unvaccinated individuals. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after a carrier has left a room.
Symptoms typically include:
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High fever
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Cough and runny nose
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Red, watery eyes
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Rash beginning at the hairline and spreading downward
Complications can be severe, ranging from pneumonia to brain inflammation (encephalitis), and in rare cases, death.
The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine: one at 12–15 months and another at 4–6 years. Adults without documented immunity, particularly those traveling abroad or working in healthcare, should verify their status and receive additional doses if needed.
Montana’s Vaccination Push Gains Momentum
In the wake of the outbreak, Montana has launched an aggressive vaccination awareness campaign. State health departments are focusing on:
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Immunization drives at local schools
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Pop-up vaccine clinics at farmers markets and community centers
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Education efforts through media and religious organizations
Healthcare professionals across Montana are encouraging residents to consult their doctors if they’re unsure of their MMR vaccine status.
“We’re urging everyone—parents, teachers, travelers—to double-check their immunization history,” said Dr. Emily Larson, an infectious disease specialist in Bozeman. “Immunity is the only shield we have against this virus.”
What’s Next: Containment and Preparedness
With school sessions set to resume in late summer, public health officials fear the potential for additional transmission if vaccination rates aren’t improved. The Montana Office of Public Instruction has urged schools to conduct thorough immunization audits and offer free vaccination clinics during summer break.
The state’s emergency response team is also reviewing long-term strategies for improving public health messaging, boosting rural healthcare access, and integrating pandemic preparedness protocols for future outbreaks.
Despite the challenges, health authorities remain cautiously optimistic.
“We’ve beaten measles before, and we can do it again,” said Dr. Short. “But we need full community participation.”
