Montana public health officials are responding to the state’s first measles outbreak in 35 years, and Missoula Public Health (MPH) has released an exposure notice after learning that a person infected with measles visited several Missoula businesses on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. No measles cases have been confirmed in Missoula County at this time.
MPH identified three public locations the individual visited. Because measles can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves, the time windows below include both the visit and the potential airborne exposure period. Anyone who was at these locations on Nov. 22 during these times is encouraged to monitor for symptoms.
Potential exposure sites on Nov. 22:
- 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.: Missoula TJ Maxx
- 12:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.: Missoula Scheels
- 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.: Missoula Old Chicago
MPH emphasizes that the purpose of this alert is not to create fear but to ensure that residents who may have been exposed know their vaccination status and understand what symptoms to watch for.
Symptoms and Monitoring Period
Measles symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure, but can take up to 21 days. Signs include fever, cough, runny nose, red or irritated eyes, white spots in the mouth, and a red rash that begins on the face before spreading downward.
Anyone who may have been exposed on Nov. 22 should continue monitoring for symptoms through Dec. 14, 2025.
Health officials ask individuals who are experiencing symptoms to call their healthcare provider before arriving in person to avoid exposing other patients or medical staff.
Vaccination and Immunity Guidance
Vaccination remains the most effective protection against measles. The standard two-dose measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is 97% effective. Most Missoula County residents are vaccinated, and no changes have been made to national MMR recommendations.
Residents unsure of their vaccination or immunity status are encouraged to check any available documentation. Suggested sources include:
- High school, college, or university immunization records
- Doctor’s offices, pediatricians, or urgent care clinics
- Local health departments from the area where they grew up
- State immunization registries
If records are incomplete or unclear, MPH recommends receiving the MMR vaccine.
Where to Get Vaccinated in Missoula
The Missoula Public Health Immunization Clinic provides MMR vaccines at:
📍301 W. Alder St., first floor
Walk-in hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday — 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Appointment-only: - Wednesday — 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The clinic uses a sliding fee scale and will not turn anyone away due to inability to pay. To schedule an appointment or ask questions, call 406-258-3363.
More Information
For updated local information on measles, visit the Missoula Public Health website.
Statewide measles activity updates can be found through the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.
