First Measles Case Detected in Idaho Panhandle Since 1991

Health officials in Idaho have identified the first confirmed case of measles in the Panhandle region since 1991. The case involves an unvaccinated child residing in Kootenai County, diagnosed just weeks after measles was detected in the area's wastewater, highlighting the importance of wastewater surveillance as an early warning method. Kootenai County includes cities such as Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls, Hayden, Rathdrum, and Athol. In late July, measles was found in Coeur d'Alene's wastewater, signaling potential infection spread even before official cases were reported.

The health district is actively investigating the child's infection source and is contacting locations visited by the child to notify potentially exposed individuals. Measles is highly contagious and can spread through the air via respiratory droplets, remaining viable in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves. The recent detection underscores the ongoing rise in measles cases nationwide, with the CDC reporting the highest annual number since the disease was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000.

Historically, Idaho has seen very few cases of measles, with only two reported from 2003 to 2023. The Panhandle Health District urges residents to review their vaccination records, emphasizing the effectiveness of the measles vaccine. Most children need two doses, typically administered at age 1 and again before starting kindergarten, to be fully protected. The district also notes that in 2023-24, about 80% of Idaho kindergartners were vaccinated, leaving approximately 20% unprotected.

Another recent unvaccinated child's case in Bonneville County involved a traveler from abroad, illustrating the ongoing risk posed by unvaccinated individuals and international travel. Experts recommend immediate consultation with healthcare providers if measles symptoms occur and stress the importance of vaccination in preventing outbreaks.

According to Dr. Christine Hahn, Idaho's state epidemiologist, re-vaccination schedules can help ensure immunity. The Panhandle Health District continues to coordinate efforts to identify the infection source and mitigate further spread. The recent cases serve as a reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in preventing measles and protecting community health.