Susceptible state
Overall, only 78.5 percent were fully vaccinated against the measles virus with the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. That’s well below the target of 95 percent vaccination coverage, which is the level needed to keep the virus from spreading onward in communities. With the high level of exemptions, the maximum MMR vaccination coverage the state could attain is only around 85 percent.
Measles outbreaks have been raging in several places inside and outside the US. But so far, Idaho has been quiet, with only nine cases detected since the start of 2026. Those cases were in three counties, and all involved people who were either unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status, according to a state measles tracking site.
However, it’s unclear if cases may go undetected in the state. Last August, the state reported three cases, including two cases in two neighboring northern counties. Health officials noted at the time that there was no clear link between the two cases. “Without any link between these two confirmed cases in north Idaho or travel outside of their communities, it’s reasonable to suspect that there is more measles circulating,” Christine Hahn, state epidemiologist and Division of Public Health medical director at DHW, said in a news release on August 20. “As we’ve seen with other states around the nation, cases can begin to multiply quickly.”
For now, 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 that protection is considered lifelong.
“The MMR vaccine is extremely effective at preventing measles and is routinely recommended for children 12–15 months of age, with a second dose at age 4–6 years,” the health department said.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Idaho has the worst vaccination rate in the US: only 78.5% are fully vaccinated against measles with the MMR vaccine, well below the 95% target needed to stop community spread. With exemptions, the maximum coverage the state could reach is only around 85%.
Since the start of 2026, nine cases have been detected in three counties, all in people who were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status. No cases have been linked to the airport case yet, but officials suspect more measles may be circulating undetected.
Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective and the protection is considered lifelong. It is routinely recommended for children at 12 to 15 months, with a second dose at 4 to 6 years.
In August, the state reported three cases in two neighboring northern counties with no clear link between them and no travel outside their communities, leading epidemiologist Christine Hahn to say it was reasonable to suspect more measles was circulating.
