Flathead County health officials confirmed Wednesday a case of measles in a county resident who recently traveled outside of the area.  

There is not yet a clear indication of the exact point of exposure, officials said in a May 21 press release. The individual, an adult whose vaccination status remains unknown, is isolating at home, according to the Flathead City-County Health Department. 

“Our staff swiftly conducted the investigation upon receiving notification from the state and were able to quickly identify close contacts to prevent further spread. Staff are diligently working with local health care providers to remain in communication. We appreciate their partnership,” said county Health Officer Jennifer Rankosky in a statement.  

Measles is a highly contagious and infectious disease that is spread primarily through the air. Droplets, often transmitted through coughing, sneezing and talking, can linger in the air for up to two hours. It can also spread through touching contaminated surfaces. 

The disease typically begins with a fever, cough, runny house, red eyes and white spots inside the cheeks. A red rash often appears two weeks after exposure.  

Health officials recommend anyone suffering measles symptoms contact their health care provider immediately. A medical provider can explain how to get care without exposing others to the illness.  

Those experiencing measles should stay home and turn away visitors until the disease is either ruled out or the patient is no longer contagious, health officials said. 

Montana saw its first case of measles since 1990 this year, according to the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. The case was first reported in Gallatin County. 

In March, Flathead County health experts stated they were preparing for a potential measles outbreak after the disease began spreading in Texas.  

“If you are unvaccinated and you live in the Flathead, well our herd in the Flathead is not immune,” said Logan Health pediatrician Dr. Ken Graham in March. 

Herd immunity is reached when enough people are immune to a virus to hinder its spread.   

For measles, herd immunity is reached when roughly 94% of people are protected against the virus.    

About 86% of Montana’s two-year-olds have at least one dose of MMR vaccine, which covers measles, mumps and rubella, according to the state Department of Public Health and Human Services. That is slightly lower than the national average of 90%.  

But the level of protection in Flathead County is unknown.   

While death rates have been falling worldwide as more children receive the measles vaccine, the virus still kills more than 200,000 people a year, according to the Mayo Clinic.  

Reporter Kate Heston may be reached at 758-4459 or [email protected].