🚨 Measles Confirmed in Kootenai County

YES – There has been a confirmed case of measles in Kootenai County.

NO – We do not know who the patient is or who may have been exposed. The health department will conduct contact tracing and notify those affected.

What is Measles?

Measles is a highly contagious virus that lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person.

It spreads through:

• Coughing or sneezing
• Close personal contact
• Sharing food or drinks
• Touching contaminated surfaces

The measles virus can live in the air or on surfaces for up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves.

If one person has measles, 90% of unvaccinated people close to them will become infected.

Symptoms

• Fever (can be as high as 105°F)
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Runny nose / nasal congestion
• Red eyes (“pink eye”)
• Rash (starts on the face, spreads down the body; appears about 14 days after exposure)
  

Why Measles is Serious

While often a moderately severe illness, measles can cause:

• Pneumonia
• Brain inflammation (encephalitis)
• Death
  

Infectious Period

A person with measles is contagious from:

• 4 days before rash appears
  through
• 4 days after rash onset (rash day = day 0)

Incubation period: Usually 14 days (range: 7–21 days)

Prevention: Vaccination is Key

• Routine schedule:
• 1st dose: 12–15 months
• 2nd dose: 4–5 years
• Infants 6–11 months: Can receive an early dose if exposed or traveling to areas with outbreaks (will still need two routine doses later).
• Adults: If unsure of immunity, talk to your healthcare provider.

If Exposed

• Fully vaccinated: No quarantine needed; monitor for symptoms for 21 days.
• Unvaccinated: May need exclusion from school/work for 21 days after last possible exposure.
• Post-exposure vaccination within 72 hours may help prevent illness.

Treatment

No antiviral medicine exists for measles — treatment is supportive:

• Rest & fluids
  
• Tylenol or ibuprofen for fever and discomfort
• Call your healthcare provider before visiting if you suspect measles, to avoid exposing others

How to Protect Yourself & Others

1. Get vaccinated (and keep your child’s shots up to date)
2. Avoid contact with people who have measles
3. Wash hands often with soap and water
4. Don’t share food, drinks, or utensils
5. Cover your cough/sneeze (into your elbow)
   

📌 Remember: The best defense against measles is prevention through vaccination.

For more information, contact:
Panhandle Health District –
CDC Measles Information – cdc.gov/measles