Cindy Farr

Measles has returned to Montana for the first time in decades. Health officials say parents should take precautions as cases are confirmed in their community. The schedule for measles vaccines in the U.S. calls for kids to get their first dose around 12 months and a second shot right before kindergarten.

Public health officials in Montana are reporting a significant uptick in COVID-19 cases and are seeing the highest rate of related hospitalizations in the country.

As of today, Montana is one of only eight states left without a reported case of monkeypox. Missoula public health officials suspect it’s only a matter of time before that changes.

“We're just hoping that making some of these changes will help speed up our ability to get through the large number of new cases and close contacts that are coming in every day," Missoula COVID-19 Incident Commander Cindy Farr says.

According to the state health department, 191 people died in September of COVID-related complications, topping January’s death count. The pandemic shows no sign of slowing in Montana.

COVID-19 cases in K-12 schools are higher now than they were at the same time last year. On Wednesday, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services released its weekly report on the number of COVID-19 cases in K-12 schools.

Two dozen Montana National Guard personnel arrive in Missoula next week to help the county handle what officials say is its deteriorating COVID situation.

Missoula County health officials say the number of positive COVID-19 cases and close contacts are overwhelming staff. Health officials are asking residents to notify their own close contacts, and testing resources can’t keep up with demand.

Montana county health departments are gearing up for the possible rollout of booster COVID-19 vaccines after federal health officials announced the efficacy of the shots may be waning with time.

Montana’s count of active COVID-19 cases has been holding steady, with fewer than 1,000 active cases statewide. According to state data, about 40% of…