DRIGGS, Idaho — A case of measles has been reported in Teton County, Idaho, coinciding with an outbreak of the disease in Teton County, Wyoming.
According to a Wednesday announcement by Eastern Idaho Public Health (EIPH), the infected person is a vaccinated adult “that came in close contact with a known case during their infectious period.” The agency did not specify whether the case was linked to the Wyoming outbreak. This is the 10th case of measles in Idaho this year, and the second case in Eastern Idaho. In January, an unvaccinated child in Madison County had a confirmed case.
Members of the public are advised that they might have been exposed to measles on Monday, July 6, at Broulim’s Grocery in Driggs between the hours of 5:15 and 8 p.m.
Per EIPH, approximately 20% of unvaccinated people in the U.S. who contract the disease end up hospitalized. Individuals who have received the measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine, have had measles in the past, or were born before 1957 are considered immune to the virus. Symptoms include a high fever (up to 105°F); a cough, runny nose, and watery eyes; and a characteristic rash starting at the head and spreading downward. Infection can spread four days before and after the rash appears.
Idaho residents and visitors can report cases and ask questions using the EIPH epidemiology hotline at: (208) 533-3150.
In Teton County, Wyoming, the presence of five confirmed cases has led to the declaration of a local emergency and expanded MMR vaccine guidelines. Babies ages 6 months and older are now eligible for their first dose of the shot.
Parents of infants under 6 months in age are the intended audience of a new video by the Teton County Health Department:
“Make sure everyone in baby’s circle is vaccinated,” the Health Department posted to social media with the video. “A vaccinated household is a protective bubble around your baby. Skip crowded indoor spaces while measles is circulating locally. And if you think your baby may have been exposed, call your provider right away. Don’t wait for symptoms.”
