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 confirmed two new measles cases in Grand Forks County, marking the first occurrences in this region. These recent cases have been linked to international travel, contributing to a total of 21 confirmed cases across North Dakota since May 2.
The current tally includes two additional cases in Williams County and four in Cass County. Thus far, one individual has required hospitalization due to the illness. All reported instances involve unvaccinated individuals, with those in Williams and Cass counties connected to known measles cases.
Due to community transmission confirmed in Williams County, HHS advises early and accelerated MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccinations for residents or travelers there. However, no such recommendation is currently made for Cass or Grand Forks counties as investigations show no evidence of community spread.
Exposure risk extends beyond local communities; one contagious individual traveled on United Flight UA5293 from Denver to Williston on May 14. Potential exposure also occurred at Williston Basin International Airport between 10:22 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. that day. HHS collaborates with local partners, the Colorado Department of Health, and the CDC Quarantine Station to notify potentially exposed individuals.
Vaccinated individuals or those born before 1957 are not required to quarantine but should monitor symptoms for three weeks post-exposure. According to Molly Howell, immunization director at HHS, “It is essential that individuals without immunity stay home and avoid contact with others for 21 days following exposure.”
Adults born before 1957 are presumed immune due to natural exposure; those born later should ensure they have received at least one documented MMR dose. The vaccine is recommended starting at 12-15 months old with a second dose at ages four through six.
Howell further emphasized the importance of vaccination: “The MMR vaccine is highly effective and provides approximately 93% protection after one dose and 97% after two doses.” She encourages eligible individuals who haven't yet received it to consult their healthcare provider.
Measles remains a highly contagious viral illness presenting symptoms like fever, cough, runny nose, eye irritation, and rash. It spreads via air particles that can linger up to two hours post-departure of an infected person from a room.
There is no specific cure for measles; treatment focuses on symptom relief while managing complications under medical supervision.
Alerts Sign-up