First Measles Case Reported Near Major Idaho City In 30 Yrs

A north Idaho county has just reported its first case of measles in an unvaccinated child since the 1990s.

With school starting back up throughout the Gem State this week, many parents are currently having their children vaccinated as a precaution. Classrooms are a major source of the spread of disease.

Illnesses such as influenza, strep throat, pink eye, chickenpox, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and hand, foot, and mouth disease are all common classroom sicknesses that spread easily.

Idaho is in the bottom 10 states for children younger than three years of age who have all recommended vaccines, according to the State Health Access Data Assistance Center. Measles spreads through air particles after someone sneezes, coughs, or from saliva release while speaking.

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First Measles Case Reported In Kootenai County In Over Three Decades

READ MORE: Public Health District in Idaho Warns of Measles Outbreak Ahead of Spring Break.

The Idaho Health District reported its first case of measles in 30 years, according to details shared by KTVB 7 News. The infection was reported in Kootenai County, which includes communities such as Spirit Lake, Post Falls, Hayden, and Coeur d'Alene.

The Panhandle Health District has been handling press releases and updates regarding the matter. The name, gender, and age of the infected child, or the exact city where the measles case originated, have not been made public.

Symptoms of measles include fever, chills, red bumps, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes. Contact your local healthcare provider if you believe someone in your family has contracted it.