Alexia Harrist

Measles is officially in Wyoming.

The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) confirmed Tuesday a case of measles in an unvaccinated child from Natrona County. 

Measles is a highly contagious infection that can cause severe illness. The source of the child’s measles exposure was not identified. This case is the first reported in Wyoming since 2010. 

Powell Valley Healthcare has been prepared for the likelihood of measles being seen locally. 

“It’s knocking on our doorstep,” interim CEO Sean McCallister said at a hospital board meeting last week when 20 cases had been confirmed in Montana. 

He said the hospital’s Infection Prevention Coordinator Kaitlin Fyne has been monitoring the situation. 

“She’s super smart. She is well informed and she does her homework,” McCallister said, adding, “In working with our clinical leadership, I feel like we're well prepared. We really want the message to our community to be the importance of being vaccinated. Of being careful. It's a highly contagious disease.”

According to the health department, monitoring for symptoms is especially critical for people who have not been vaccinated with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Infants less than 1 year old who are too young to receive the MMR vaccine, pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk for infection and severe disease; WDH recommends these individuals contact their health care providers regarding their potential measles exposure. 

People exposed to measles typically develop symptoms seven to 21 days after exposure. Symptoms include:

• Fever

• Cough

• Runny nose

• Red eyes

• A characteristic rash that usually starts several days later on the face and spreads down the body.

People who have received the MMR vaccine or were born before 1957 are generally considered immune, according to WDH. Booster doses are not necessary for persons who are fully vaccinated against measles. If you are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated, it is especially important to closely monitor for symptoms during the 21 days after a possible exposure. 

If additional cases occur, the MMR vaccine, given within 72 hours after exposure, can prevent infection. Unvaccinated individuals or those unsure of their immunity should talk to their health care provider about receiving the MMR vaccine. 

“Measles is one of the most contagious diseases we know, but it is preventable,” said State Health Officer Dr. Alexia Harrist. “The MMR vaccine is safe and highly effective, providing long-lasting protection. Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective in preventing measles, and we recommend that all Wyoming residents ensure they and their children are up to date on MMR vaccinations.”