United States: Five people have contracted measles across Gallatin County according to Montana’s Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), which marks the first occurrence of the disease since 1990. With 10545 residents Gallatin represents the state’s fourth-largest municipal center and second-largest populated county. All infected individuals who include children and adults recently visited regions beyond Montana’s borders. The patients who contracted measles did not present evidence of vaccination and remain in isolation at home, as reported by The Hills.
Exposure Sites Announced
Residents may have been exposed on April 14 at:
- North Coast Electric, Bozeman (7:30–10:30 a.m.)
- Interwest Tire, Belgrade (12–4 p.m.)
Healthcare authorities ask all visitors to these areas to check for symptoms while they must contact their medical providers right away.
Measles Spreads Easily, Especially in Unvaccinated Groups
The measles virus shows extreme contagion properties by enduring in the air and on surfaces for two hours. Whoever has the measles virus and remains non-vaccinated spreads the disease to nine individuals out of ten nearby people they encounter says the World Health Organization.
BREAKING: Montana reports its first cases of measles since 1990 as the MAGA disease outbreak spreads like wildfire — and health Secretary RFK Jr. remains distracted by autism conspiracy theories.
— Occupy Democrats (@OccupyDemocrats) April 18, 2025
This administration is failing the American people on every front…
Montana… pic.twitter.com/HskKgrtkwa
National Trends: Cases Climb Sharply
Since January, Texas has reported over 560 measles cases, contributing to more than 700 nationwide in 2025. The CDC reports that 97% of cases involve unvaccinated individuals, with 70% being children or adolescents. Three deaths—including two children—have been linked to measles this year, as reported by The Hills.
HHS Secretary Kennedy Responds
Despite his history of vaccine skepticism, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. acknowledged the urgency of the outbreak, stating that “MMR vaccines remain the most effective way to prevent the spread” of measles.