Measles case reported in child in southeast Idaho on foreign trip

POCATELLO (Idaho Capital Sun) – Idaho health officials are searching for additional possible measles exposures after the highly contagious virus was reported in a child who was on an international trip in southeastern Idaho.

The child, who authorities say was unvaccinated, was not hospitalized after a doctor's visit for measles symptoms, the state Department of Health said in a news release Friday. The child is not an Idaho resident, state Department of Health spokesman AJ McWhorter told the Idaho Capital Sun.

Health officials say the investigation into the case is ongoing. Officials say the child traveled through the region and several states, including Wyoming, from Aug. 7 to Friday while infectious. Officials said the child's travel history is incomplete and there may be additional people affected that health authorities have not yet identified.

The local health department, Southeastern Idaho Public Health, is working with the health facilities the child visited to identify any staff or visitors who may be infected with the virus.

How to protect yourself from measles. And what should you do if you get infected?

Vaccination is the best protection against measles, health officials say. Measles – which can survive in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves – is highly contagious but rare. Serious complications from the virus can include pneumonia, encephalitis and, in rare cases, death.

“Symptoms of measles include fever, runny nose, cough and rash,” said Dr. Christine Hahn, medical director of the state Department of Health's Division of Public Health, in a statement. “Although measles is usually considered a childhood disease, adults can also get measles if they are not immune.”

People with measles symptoms should not visit medical facilities without first calling, the press release said. They should contact their doctor. People who have been exposed to measles should monitor for symptoms for 21 days after infection, the press release said.

Children should be vaccinated between the ages of 12 and 15 months and again between the ages of 4 and 6 years, the press release states.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is no antiviral treatment for measles.