Flathead County, Montana, has confirmed its first cases of measles in more than three decades, marking a significant return of a disease long thought to be under control in the region. The new cases come amid a larger national resurgence that has seen over a thousand infections reported across the United States in 2025 alone.
Measles Reappears in Montana
Health officials have confirmed two measles cases in Flathead County involving adults with recent out-of-state travel. This represents the first time since 1990 that the disease has been detected within the state. The individuals are currently recovering in home isolation, and no public exposure sites have been announced. Health authorities continue to investigate the origin of each infection and any possible links to broader outbreaks.
Dr. Cory Short, Chief Medical Officer at Logan Health, acknowledged the seriousness of the development. “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.”
Local clinics and hospitals, already on alert due to a national uptick in measles cases, are enhancing monitoring and emphasizing vaccination outreach to reduce the risk of community spread. While no additional cases have been confirmed in Flathead County at this time, officials caution that early intervention is key to preventing outbreaks.
Statewide Impact and Response
Montana has reported a total of 20 confirmed measles cases this year, spread across four counties: Gallatin (12), Hill (4), Flathead (2), and Yellowstone (2). Of these, two cases have required hospitalization. The spread has prompted statewide efforts to increase public awareness and encourage vaccination, especially among unvaccinated populations and individuals traveling internationally.
In Gallatin and Hill counties, where case counts are highest, public health departments have issued enhanced immunization guidance. These recommendations include accelerated MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine schedules for infants and additional doses for adults who may have received only one vaccine in the past.
Logan Health in Flathead County has launched a dedicated measles incident response task force to oversee mitigation efforts. Comprising more than 30 healthcare professionals, the team is coordinating with local health departments to ensure timely responses to any suspected infections.
National Surge in Measles Cases
Montana’s experience is part of a broader trend across the U.S., where 1,197 confirmed measles cases have been recorded in 2025 across 34 states and jurisdictions. Health experts attribute the national rise primarily to declining vaccination rates, in part due to vaccine hesitancy and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
States including Texas, New Mexico, and Kansas have seen the most severe outbreaks. Texas alone has reported over 700 cases and two related deaths in children. Kansas has experienced particularly tragic consequences, with more than 20 deaths among young children under the age of five.
Public health officials nationwide are warning of the dangers of undervaluing routine immunizations. Measles is among the most contagious viral diseases known, with the ability to infect up to 90% of unvaccinated individuals exposed to it. The virus can live in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left a space, making containment especially difficult once an outbreak begins.
Renewed Emphasis on Vaccination
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to recommend that children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine: the first at 12–15 months of age and the second at 4–6 years. Adults who are unsure of their vaccination status are advised to consult with a healthcare provider, especially if they plan to travel internationally or work in healthcare or education.
Symptoms of measles typically appear one to two weeks after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, and a signature rash that usually starts on the face before spreading to the rest of the body. Complications can be severe, leading to ear infections, pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and in rare cases, death.
Community Awareness and Prevention
Healthcare professionals are urging Montana residents to remain vigilant, review their vaccination records, and seek medical advice if symptoms arise. Community outreach campaigns are also underway, targeting schools, clinics, and public gathering spaces to ensure widespread access to accurate information about the disease and the MMR vaccine.
The resurgence of measles serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage. With rapid response and a renewed focus on public health, officials hope to contain the outbreak quickly and prevent future cases from occurring.
