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| source: krtv.com |
By now, you’ve probably heard whispers (or headlines) about measles making a comeback in parts of Montana. And if you're living in or around Great Falls, this isn’t just distant news anymore, it just got a little closer to home.
According to the Cascade County Health Department, a measles exposure did happen locally. But here’s the catch, no residents in Cascade County have tested positive yet. Still, that doesn’t mean we should ignore it.
As someone who tries to keep up with these kinds of health alerts, partly because I’ve got family in Montana and partly because, well, I still remember chickenpox quarantine in the '90s, I dug into what this really means for locals and travelers alike.
What Actually Happened?
On May 27, between 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., someone infected with measles (from another county) visited Prospect Heights Medical Center in Great Falls. That building houses several clinics and offices, including:
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Central Montana Orthopedic Specialists
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Sun River Health
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Atlas Neurology
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Dr. Susan Avery’s office
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Quest Diagnostics
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Northwest Physicians
It’s not clear which office the person visited, but the time window is what matters most. If you or someone you know was in that building during those hours, it’s worth paying close attention.
But I Don’t Live in One of the Affected Counties…
True, the 17 confirmed measles cases in Montana have been in Gallatin, Flathead, Yellowstone, and Hill Counties. Cascade County (where Great Falls is located) hasn’t had a confirmed case yet. But measles is highly contagious, and you can catch it simply by being in the same indoor space as someone who's infected, even up to two hours after they’ve left.
It spreads through the air, and if you’re not vaccinated or immune, you’re at serious risk.
If You Might’ve Been Exposed, Here’s What to Do
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Don’t panic, but don’t ignore it.
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The health department is already reaching out to people who may have had direct exposure, but if you were in the building during the listed time frame, it’s smart to be proactive.
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If you start feeling symptoms, think fever, cough, runny nose, and that tell-tale rash, don’t just walk into a clinic.
Instead, call ahead to arrange special testing.
➤ In Cascade County, that number is 406-731-8300 (Benefis Health System). -
If you’re not sure about your vaccination status, now’s the time to check. Most people born before 1957 are considered immune, but if you didn’t get both doses of the MMR vaccine, you might be at risk.
Why It Matters More Than You Think
Measles isn’t just a “kid’s disease” or something we left in the past. It’s serious, and potentially life-threatening, especially for infants, the elderly, and anyone with a weakened immune system.
And honestly, it's frustrating that we’re even seeing a resurgence of something we had virtually eliminated. But misinformation, lowered vaccination rates, and travel-related exposures are bringing it back.
So, whether you're a parent, caregiver, traveler, or just someone who cares about public health, this matters.
Final Takeaway
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If you were at Prospect Heights Medical Center on May 27 between 1:30–5:30 p.m., pay attention.
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Stay isolated and call ahead before seeking testing if you develop symptoms.
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Make sure your MMR vaccines are up to date, it’s still the best protection we have.
We’re all a little tired of public health alerts, but sometimes a heads-up like this one can save lives, or at least prevent a whole lot of avoidable illness.