Five New Measles Cases Confirmed In Williams County, ND

With five more measles cases confirmed in Williams County by the North Dakota Health and Human Services, the state's total for 2025 is nine cases, all of which have been located in Williams County.

Every newly confirmed person had no recorded contact with previously found cases and was unvaccinated. These people are isolated at home as advised to help stop more spread of the infectious disease.

The following Williston locations may have exposed members of the public during the dates and times listed below. Those individuals who may have been exposed are encouraged to monitor for symptoms and contact a health care provider if they develop. Exposure location:

Williston Walmart on April 29 between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Four individuals diagnosed with measles were in 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 should also be excluded if they lack documentation of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccination or were not born before 1957. In addition to being excluded from school, all unvaccinated staff and children in these schools should remain at home and monitor for symptoms. Below is a list of affected schools and dates of exclusion.

The following schools are affected, along with their corresponding dates of exclusion:

Missouri Ridge Elementary: May 7 - May 23
Williston Middle School: May 7 - May 21
Williston High School: May 7 - May 21

HHS, in coordination with the Upper Missouri District Health Unit, is working closely with the schools to notify families, provide education, and offer guidance.

Concerns about potential community transmission exist because some of the new cases are not associated with previously known exposures. As a precaution, HHS recommends that all residents and travelers to Williams County ensure they are vaccinated against measles. The recommendation includes consideration of early MMR vaccination for infants aged 6 through 11 months. Infants under 6 months are not eligible for the vaccine.

Adults born before 1957 are generally presumed immune due to natural exposure. Those born in 1957 or later who live in or visit Williams County should ensure they have received two documented doses of MMR.

Individuals unsure of their vaccination status are encouraged to consult their health care provider.

You can review immunization records at hhs.nd.gov/IRR or by contacting a provider. Vaccines are available through most clinics, and for families in need, the federally funded Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program offers support through local providers.

The Upper Missouri District Health Unit is holding vaccination clinics onsite at 110 W. Broadway in Williston on these dates at these times:

Location: at 110 W Broadway in Williston

Hours:

Thursday, May 8 from 1 to 7 p.m.
Friday, May 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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HHS urges anyone with measles-like symptoms or who has been in close contact with infected individuals not to arrive on site at the clinic and to reach out to their health care provider.

Please call ahead before visiting a clinic or hospital emergency room to avoid exposing others.