Measles confirmed in Latah County; health officials warn of possible exposure at Moscow hospital

Health officials in Idaho on Wednesday confirmed a measles case in Latah County, the first in the state since 2001.

The individual with measles was in public, potentially exposing others to the disease in Moscow while in in the laboratory and imaging waiting area at Gritman Medical Center from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday.

Anyone in the waiting area then could have been exposed to measles, according to a news release from the Public Health Idaho North Central District . The agency is working with Gritman Medical Center and the Idaho Department of Health to respond.

Health officials are notifying patients and families who could have been exposed on May 31.

Measles is a highly contagious disease, and individuals who think they have been exposed to the virus are encouraged to contact their health care provider. Additionally, if a person has been exposed and developed a rash or fever, health officials ask that they not go to a clinic or hospital without calling first, to prevent spreading of the disease .

Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, red and watery eyes, followed by a rash. Measles is contagious for about four days before the rash appears and four days after, but a rash does not have to be present for measles to spread.

Health officials are keeping an updated list of public exposure sites for the Latah County measles case at http://idahopublichealth.com/district-2/measles.