Montana officials monitoring U.S. measles outbreak [Video]

HELENA — Montana state health officials are closely monitoring a U.S. measles outbreak and encourage residents and families to take steps to protect themselves.

There have been more than 378 cases of measles across 18 states as of March 20.

While there have been no reported cases in Montana, cases have been reported in Washington and southern Alberta, Canada.

Measles is considered one of the most contagious diseases in human history.

About 25% of people who contract it will need to be hospitalized, and out of every one thousand cases, about one to three will die.

Measles can also cause inflammation leading to long-term brain damage and disability.

“We have been monitoring since the outbreak in Texas, just keeping an eye on what the circumstances are there, watching the cases continue popping up across the country. We really started to meet with staff and started getting documents prepared, started meeting …