While there are currently no reported cases in our region, it is important to remain vigilant. Measles is a highly contagious disease, and outbreaks are more likely in communities with vaccination rates below 95%. Idaho’s current rate is 79%. Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent the spread of measles. Please encourage friends and family to get vaccinated to help protect themselves and our community.

KEY POINTS from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC):

1. Measles is extremely contagious and can cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than 5
2. Anyone who is not vaccinated against measles is at risk
3. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93% effective

Most individuals are fully vaccinated with MMR by the time they turn 6 years old, and protection can last a lifetime. Adults born before 1957 are also considered to have life-long immunity. A very small proportion of adults (less than 5%) may have received killed measles vaccine from 1963 through 1967 during childhood. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends re-vaccinating anyone who received measles vaccine of unknown type or killed measles vaccine, during these years, with 1 or 2 doses. If you are unsure of your immunity status, please contact the clinic and ask to speak to our Immunization Coordinator Melissa Berry.

How it spreads:

Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. You can get measles just by being in a room where a person with measles has been. This can happen even up to 2 hours after the infected person has left.

Measles Symptoms:

When a child gest measles, they have a high fever, cough, runny nose, and a full body rash. In addition to being very uncomfortable, measles can make it hard for your child to breathe. It can also cause seizures, irreversible brain damage, and death. Fortunately, we have vaccines that protect kids.

Vaccines Safety/Reactions:

Kids in the US have been regularly vaccinated against measles since the early 1970's. Reports linking the measles vaccine to autism have been carefully evaluated and the consensus among medical providers, public health experts, and multiple oversight committees is that the measles vaccines does not cause a child to develop autism.  Serious reactions to the vaccine are extremely rare. You are more likely to get hit by lightning than have a severe allergic reaction to the shot. Common side effects may include fever, or pain, redness, or swelling where the shot was given.

What to expect:

Please DO NOT ENTER the clinic if you or your child have measles symptoms or a known exposure. Call (208) 843-2271 and ask to speak with the triage nurse.

Exposed to someone with measles?

• Call Nimiipuu Health as soon as possible to discuss your exposure so special arrangements can be made for you to be evaluated without putting other patients and staff at risk. A person infected with measles can be contagious before they have any symptoms of the disease
• If you or your child are not immunized, you may be advised to stay home (quarantine) and away from work, school, and public spaces for 21 days to ensure you/your child do not become infected and pass measles to others
• If you have not been vaccinated, measles vaccine may help prevent disease if given within 72 hours of first exposure. Other treatments may lessen the severity of measles if given within 6 days of the first exposure
• If you are immunized, or have proof of immunity to measles, you do not need to be quarantined and may continue with your normal activities

If you need emergent care, go to the nearest hospital and call to let them know you have measles symptoms.

St. Joseph Regional Medical Center: (208) 743-2511

Tri-State Memorial Hospital: (509) 758-5511

Clearwater Valley Hospital in Orofino: (208) 476-4555

Download Measles FAQ  Sheet here

Tuesdays & Thursdays | 12pm-12:45pm | NMPH Fitness Center

45  minutes, 10 minute warm up, 5 minute cool down, 30 minutes of peak exercise time!

All exercises will be either body weight or with a resistance band, focusing on form and body control.

Modifications for every exercise - great for all fitness levels!

See Flyer here

Community Support Group Tuesday, June 10 | 5pm-6pm | Lapwai NMPH Conference Room

Join our Diabetes Program Coordinator, Marissa Verduci, & Licensed Professional Counselor, Kiara Garcia in a healthy discussion about energizing your routine, embracing outdoor activities, & summer safety!

Community Cooking Class Lapwai - Thursday, May 29 & June 26| 4:30pm-6:00pm | NMPH Conference Room

Join our Diabetes Program Coordinator, Marissa Verduci, & Nutritionist Julie Keller in cooking tacos with a twist on the 29th & Fresh Summer Salads, June 26th!

See waq'iswíisa flyer here

Previous Cooking Classes

January

• 16 - Beef, Barley, & Mini Vegetable Soup video &  recipe
• 30 - Sick Day Chicken Soup video & recipe

February

• 13 - Chicken Burrito Skillet video & recipe

March

• 13 - Healthy Snacks video & recipe

April

• 3 - Sausage Wonton Cups & Guacamole Stuffed Tomatoes video & recipe

May

• 29 - Spicy Salmon Tacos, Corn Avocado & Peach Salsa, & Cilantro Yogurt Sauce video & recipe

For more information on these classes contact Marissa at [email protected] or 208.843.2271 ext. 2849

June 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 23, 26, & 30 | 1:00pm-1:45pm | Wa-A'Yas Community Center

FREE Exercise Classes for Older Adults - ALL ARE WELCOME

• Improve your balance, strength & mobility
• Reduce your risk of falling
• Meet up with friends and have fun!

For more information or to sign up please contact Sonya at 208.935.0733

See Flyer here

Lapwai Date

June 2, 12, 20 & 24

12pm-1pm

LHS Track

Kamiah Dates

May 4, 11, 18, & 25

12pm-1pm

Wa-A'Yas Community Center

For more information please contact Sonya or Tami: 208.935.0733

FRIDAYS - June 13 & 27 | 12pm-12:40pm | Lapwai Fitness Center

June Calendar here

Morning Spin Classes with Cara - We ride to music and have a great time! Start your morning off right by having some fun and burning calories. It is low impact and will improve your heart health, enhance your mental strength, give you a boost of energy, and improve your metabolism

• Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays
• 6:00am-7:00am
• NMPH Fitness Center - Lapwai

NEW 11am Spin Classes with Cara - For everyone! Beginners are encouraged to attend. We will go over racing, positions, gears, set up, etc. All of this, with a ton of fun!

• Tuesdays
• 11:00am-12:00pm
• NMPH Fitness Center - Lapwai

On-demand classes! - Discover the freedom of fitness on your terms with our on-demand classes! Whether you're a morning warrior or a night owl, access our diverse library of workouts!

• NMPH Fitness Center - Lapwai

For more information contact the Fitness Center: 208.843.2271 ext. 2977

Cycling Class Flyer here

CLOSED Tuesday - June 17, 2025

• White Bird Memorial

CLOSED Thursday - June 19, 2025

• Juneteenth

CLOSED Friday - July 4, 2025

• 4th of July

CLOSED Friday - August 8, 2025

• Big Hole Memorial

For more information contact Cara:
[email protected]
208.621.4964