Measles Info from TH PH

Good day CSKT Community,

We want to keep you informed about a measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico and how you can protect yourself and your family. As of February 28, 2025, Texas had 146 confirmed cases, with 20 hospitalizations and one tragic death of an unvaccinated child. In New Mexico, nine cases were reported in Lea County, near the Texas border.

Right now, there are no cases of measles in Montana. The last case in our state was in 1990.

What You Need to Know

Measles is a very contagious illness caused by a virus. It spreads easily when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can be especially dangerous for young children, pregnant people, and those with weak immune systems.

How to Stay Protected:

Get Vaccinated: The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is safe and very effective. It is the best way to prevent measles. If you or your child are not fully vaccinated, please schedule an appointment as soon as possible by calling Tribal Health or your provider.

Know the Symptoms: Measles often starts with:

• High fever
• Cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes
• A red rash that begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body

If you or a family member have these symptoms, call your healthcare provider before going to a clinic or hospital. This helps prevent the virus from spreading to others.

Stop the Spread: Measles spreads quickly, even before symptoms appear. Staying up to date on vaccinations and practicing good hygiene, like frequent handwashing, helps protect our community.

If you have questions about your vaccination status or need to schedule an appointment, call your local TH Public Health (PH) Nurse at (406) 745-3525.

We appreciate your help in keeping our communities safe!

Lemlmtš │ Hu sukiⱡq̓ukni │ Thank you