Montana Measles Outbreak: Now 15 Confirmed Cases
- As of writing, there are 15 cases of measles in Montana
- 2 people with measles are hospitalized
Measles Cases Are Growing In Montana
Measles cases are on the rise in Montana. According to the Montana Department of Health and Human Services, the number of cases known in Montana is now 15.
Back in April, it was first reported that measles had made it's way back to Montana after being eradicated about 35 years earlier. You can get caught up on the first article here.
The measles first reared it's head in Montana's Gallatin County when 5 residents travelled out of the state, and returned home as carriers of the measles. Those residents have made a full recovery after self-isolating at home.
After that, the disease made it's way to Hill County and Flathead County in Montana.
Two individuals are now in the hospital fighting measles, a once eradicated disease.
97 Percent Of Those Infected Have Not Been Vaccinated
The measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the entire world.
When they say the disease was eradicated, it doesn't mean it's not out there. It means there was such a huge herd immunity due to the MMR vaccine, that it was literally gone for 35 years.
I can't stress this enough, 97% of the new measles infections are happening in non-vaccinated individuals, around 70% of which are children who have no choice in the matter, and their parents are making this choice while being FULLY VACCINATED themselves. Unvaccinated individuals have a 90% likelihood of getting measles.
How To Spot Measles
From Montana Free Press:
State officials described early measles symptoms as including “fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, white spots in the mouth, and a red rash that appears about 14 days after exposure.” Infants under 12 months of age, who are typically not recommended to get either of the two-dose MMR vaccine series, are particularly at risk of infection. Some of the long-term health consequences from measles can include brain swelling, seizures, hearing loss, pneumonia, miscarriage and death.
Sources: MTDPHHS, Montana Free Press, CDC
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Gallery Credit: Reesha Cosby
LIST: Measles Symptoms
Gallery Credit: CANVA