Concerns Rise Over Measles Exposure in Cascade County
GREAT FALLS — Recent reports of a measles exposure at Prospect Heights Medical Center have sparked growing concern among Cascade County residents. A visitor from Hill County, infected with the highly contagious virus, potentially exposed numerous individuals, including vulnerable newborns.
One concerned parent, Samantha Kaupish, expressed her anxiety over the health of her infant, River Daniel Kaupish, who cannot receive the vaccine until he is at least six months old. "Measles could be fatal for a newborn,” said Kaupish. “I feel the need to protect him and hide away.”
Health officials stress vaccination as the best defense against measles, with one dose offering around 93% effectiveness and two doses increasing that to about 97%. The Montana Department of Health & Human Services (DPHHS) has linked a surge of 17 measles cases since April to a decline in vaccination rates.
In light of the recent exposure, DPHHS has advised unvaccinated individuals who visited the medical center to quarantine for 21 days. While officials reassure that the situation won’t escalate to a pandemic level, they underscore the importance of community responsibility in safeguarding vulnerable populations.
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