Wayne Salter, Health and Human Services Commissioner | North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services
Wayne Salter, Health and Human Services Commissioner | North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) has confirmed the first measles case in Burke County, marking it as the fourth county affected by the outbreak. The total number of confirmed cases in North Dakota has now reached 28 since May 2.
The individual with the new case had traveled frequently to Williams County before becoming ill. Despite this, early vaccination is not currently advised for Burke, Cass, or Grand Forks counties as investigations have found no community spread there. HHS will adjust vaccination recommendations based on future data.
In contrast, due to community transmission in Williams County, HHS continues to advise early and accelerated MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccinations for residents and travelers to that area.
Public exposure may have occurred at Lindsey’s Grocery Store and Dollar General in Crosby, Divide County. Vaccinated individuals or those born before 1957 are considered immune but should monitor for symptoms for 21 days post-exposure. Unvaccinated individuals should quarantine for the same period and seek medical advice if symptoms develop.
Molly Howell, HHS Immunization Director, stated: “This is the highest number of measles cases reported in North Dakota since 1978, when 211 cases occurred.” She emphasized that the MMR vaccine is highly effective and urged vaccination for those born in 1957 or later who are over 12 months old.
Routine MMR vaccination starts at ages 12-15 months with a second dose at ages 4-6 years. Fully vaccinated children are those who received two doses after turning one year old. Adults unsure about their vaccination status should consult healthcare providers or check records via hhs.nd.gov/IRR.
Measles is a contagious viral illness with symptoms like fever, cough, runny nose, eye irritation, and a spreading rash. It spreads through air particles lingering up to two hours after an infected person departs an area. While there is no cure for measles itself, symptom relief and complication management require medical attention.
Vaccines are accessible through clinics and supported by programs like Vaccines for Children (VFC) for families needing assistance.
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