Dirk Wilke Executive Director of Public Health for ND Health and Human Services | North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services
Dirk Wilke Executive Director of Public Health for ND Health and Human Services | North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) has reported five additional measles cases in Williams County, increasing the state's total to nine cases in 2025. The newly confirmed individuals were unvaccinated and had no contact with previously identified cases. They are currently isolating at home to help limit further spread.
The public who visited Williston Walmart on April 29 between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. may have been exposed to measles. Those present are advised to monitor for symptoms and contact a healthcare provider if symptoms develop.
Four individuals diagnosed with measles attended Williston schools while infectious. In accordance with North Dakota Century Code 23-07-17, unvaccinated students should be excluded from school for 21 days following exposure. Staff without documentation of MMR vaccination or who were not born before 1957 should also be excluded. Unvaccinated staff and children should remain at home and monitor for symptoms.
Affected schools include Missouri Ridge Elementary (May 7 - May 23), Williston Middle School (May 7 - May 21), and Williston High School (May 7 - May 21). HHS is working with Upper Missouri District Health Unit to notify families, provide education, and offer guidance.
"Due to the current measle outbreak, please isolate at home if you have symptoms of runny nose, fever, cough and rash," said Dr. Beverly Tong, Upper Missouri District Health Unit deputy director. "Isolation should continue until at least four full days after the onset of a rash."
There is concern about potential community transmission as some new cases are not linked to earlier known exposures. HHS recommends that all residents and travelers to Williams County ensure they are vaccinated against measles. This includes early MMR vaccination consideration for infants aged six through eleven months.
Children aged twelve months and older should receive their first dose of MMR if they have not already, followed by a second dose at least twenty-eight days later. Adults born before 1957 are generally presumed immune due to natural exposure; those born in or after 1957 living or visiting Williams County should ensure they have received two documented doses of MMR.
Immunization records can be reviewed at hhs.nd.gov/IRR or by contacting a provider. Vaccines are available through most clinics, with support from the federally funded Vaccines for Children Program for families in need.
The Upper Missouri District Health Unit will hold vaccination clinics onsite at 110 W Broadway in Williston on Thursday, May 8 from 1 to 7 p.m., and Friday, May 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
"HHS urges anyone with measles-like symptoms, or who has been in close contact with infected individuals, should not arrive on site at the clinic and should reach out to their health care provider."
###
Alerts Sign-up