Be prepared for measles

A recent rise in measles activity in Washington state reminds us in Montana that we must take important steps to prevent our own outbreak form happening. Washington’s measles outbreak continues to climb with 52 cases reported as of Feb. 7.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person. It can spread to others through coughing and sneezing. Measles virus can live for up to two hours in an airspace where the infected person coughed or sneezed. If other people breathe the contaminated air or touch the infected surface, then touch their ey...