FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: December 02 2025

Contact:
Jon Ebelt, Communications Director,
DPHHS, (406) 444-0936, (406) 461-3757
jebelt@mt.gov

Two New Measles Cases Confirmed in Montana

The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) is reporting two new measles cases in Gallatin County. The new cases may have exposed the public to measles in multiple locations in Gallatin and Missoula Counties in November.

One case was confirmed on Nov. 28, and the most recent case on Dec. 1.  

The Gallatin and Missoula health department websites include information about the exact locations, dates, and times of measles exposures to the public. Individuals who are not immune to measles and are exposed to a case have a 90% chance of developing measles. 

“If you believe you have been exposed to measles, but you are not immune to the disease, contact your local health department or health care provider for advice,” said DPHHS Medical Director Dr. Douglas Harrington. “If you have symptoms of disease, call your health care provider to arrange a medical appointment that minimizes exposure to other individuals. The virus is very easily transmitted, and we want to minimize exposure to other people in waiting rooms.”

Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease that typically begins with fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, and a red rash that appears about 14 days after exposure. The rash usually starts on the face and spreads downward to the rest of the body.

It is particularly dangerous for infants for whom vaccination is generally not recommended until 12 months of age. Maintaining a high level of vaccination in the community helps protect infants who are too young to be vaccinated, as well as individuals who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.

Vaccination is your best protection against measles. Two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine are 97% effective in preventing measles. Measles vaccines have been available in the U.S. since 1963, and two doses have been recommended for children since 1989. Individuals born before 1957 are presumed to be immune because they likely had measles disease as a child.

Prior to April 2025, Montana had not reported a case of measles since 1990.  Public health officials worked through the spring and summer to contain the spread of measles in the affected communities, with the last case occurring in late August 2025. These two new cases serve as a reminder that measles can be imported into Montana at any time, and citizens and health care providers should remain vigilant for measles symptoms.

Contact your medical provider or local or tribal health department to learn more about the MMR vaccine. For more information about measles activity in Montana, visit the DPHHS website.