An international business traveler is at the center of a measles investigation after visiting various sites in south-central Idaho while contagious. Health officials have announced that anyone who may have come into contact with the individual could potentially show symptoms until June 14.
During their time of being infectious, the visitor was seen at three Burley locations: EdgeWater Dining and Spirits on Monday evening, an urgent care clinic on Tuesday morning, and Intermountain Health Cassia Regional Hospital on the same day.
According to the South Central Public Health District, officials are reaching out to those who were in contact with the traveler, although some brief exposures may not have been documented in the investigation.
The individual visited EdgeWater Dining and Spirits on Monday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. On Tuesday, they were at Urgent Care of Idaho’s Burley Clinic from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and then at Cassia Regional Hospital between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Given that the urgent care clinic shares a waiting area with two other businesses, there’s a possibility that the exposure risk could be wider. Additionally, the hotel where the traveler stayed has informed guests who were present during that time.
Initial findings suggest that the traveler had received a measles vaccine as a child. While it’s uncommon for vaccinated individuals to contract the virus, data is emerging that indicates such cases are usually less severe and less likely to spread compared to infections in those who are unvaccinated.
Tanis Maxwell, the family and children’s health director for the health district, stated, “We’re concentrating on collaborating with state and local health authorities in this ongoing investigation. Our main goal is to keep the public informed while offering support to those who might have been exposed.”
Measles is transmitted through respiratory droplets from sneezing and coughing. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area. Individuals are contagious from four days before to four days after the characteristic rash appears.
Common symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, and a rash. The disease is extremely contagious, particularly in communities with low vaccination rates.
If anyone develops symptoms, it’s essential to monitor for 21 days following exposure and reach out to a healthcare provider. Those showing signs of measles should call ahead before arriving at medical facilities to ensure proper isolation procedures can be followed.
The measles vaccine is very effective—one dose offers about 93% protection, while two doses increase that to approximately 97%. Health officials are urging residents to check their vaccination status for MMR.
People with questions regarding measles or vaccinations can reach out to their healthcare provider or the South Central Public Health District at (208) 737-1138.
