vulnerable state
Overall, only 78.5 percent were fully vaccinated against the measles virus with the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine. This is well below the goal of 95 percent vaccination coverage, which is the level needed to prevent further spread of the virus in communities. With high levels of attrition, the state could achieve maximum MMR vaccination coverage of only around 85 percent.
Measles outbreaks are increasing in many places inside and outside the United States. But so far, Idaho has been quiet, with only nine cases reported since the beginning of 2026. Those cases were in three counties, according to the state measles tracking site, and all involved people who were either unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status.
However, it is not clear whether cases will go undetected in the state. Last August, the state recorded three cases, including two in two neighboring northern counties. Health officials noted at the time that there was no apparent link between the two cases. “Without any connection between these two confirmed cases in North Idaho or travel outside their communities, it is reasonable to suspect that more measles is spreading,” Christine Hahn, state epidemiologist and medical director of the Division of Public Health at DHW, said in an Aug. 20 news release. “As we have seen in other states across the country, cases may begin to rise rapidly.”
At this time, no cases have been identified in connection with the airport case, but health officials are advising residents to get the MMR vaccine, two doses of which are 97 percent effective, and protection is believed to be lifelong.
“The MMR vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles and is routinely recommended for children aged 12-15 months, with the second dose given at 4-6 years of age,” the Department of Health said.
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