New Terrifying Update to Measles Outbreak in Montana

BUTTE, MT - A quiet Saturday afternoon at T.J. Maxx, a family dinner at McKenzie River Pizza, a quick fill-up at the Town Pump.

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For most Montanans, these are routine moments.

But for public health officials in Helena, they now mark the timeline of a serious and escalating health crisis.

As of Sunday, 22 confirmed measles cases have been reported across four Montana counties—Gallatin, Flathead, Yellowstone, and Hill—prompting a statewide scramble to contain the outbreak.

While Lewis and Clark County has yet to confirm a local case, that may soon change.

On June 15, an infected individual traveled from another county to Helena, unknowingly bringing the highly contagious virus into the heart of Montana’s capital.

The infected person visited several popular businesses between 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., including:

• T.J. Maxx

• Costco

• Old Navy

• McKenzie River Pizza

• Town Pump

• Conoco

Health officials say anyone who was at these locations during that window may have been exposed—and should act quickly.

“This isn’t just a distant concern anymore,” said Lewis and Clark County Health Officer Drenda Niemann to ABC. “This is right here in our community.”

The county health department has launched an urgent response, racing to identify those who may have had contact with the infected visitor.

If you were at any of the listed locations on June 15 and have not been contacted by public health officials, you’re urged to call Lewis and Clark Public Health at 406-457-8904 immediately.

How Dangerous Is This Measles Outbreak?

Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world, and can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves.

It spreads through coughing, sneezing, and even just breathing the same air.

For unvaccinated individuals—especially children under five, pregnant women, and the immunocompromised—the consequences can be severe: pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death.

The silver lining?

The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella) is highly effective.

Two doses provide about 97% protection. Still, health officials are urging even vaccinated individuals to monitor for symptoms and notify providers if they become ill.

What to Watch For

Symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and may include:

• High fever

• Cough

• Runny nose

• Red, watery eyes

• A telltale red rash that usually starts on the face

If you experience any of these, especially following a known exposure, do not go directly to a doctor’s office or ER. Instead, call ahead so proper precautions can be taken.

What’s Next?

The state’s health infrastructure is now bracing for potential spread. With the summer travel season underway and public spaces buzzing, officials say vigilance over the next two weeks will be critical.

While no additional exposure sites have been confirmed outside Helena yet, the concern is very real: measles outbreaks can snowball rapidly—especially in communities with low vaccination rates.

Public health authorities will continue updating exposure site information at Lewis and Clark Public Health’s official website as investigations progress.

In the meantime, Montanans are urged to check their vaccination status, watch for symptoms, and err on the side of caution. What began as a handful of cases is now a potential statewide crisis—and Helena may be its next flashpoint.