How North Dakota Is Responding To First Measles Case Since 2011

Confirming the first incidence of measles in North Dakota since 2011, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) reported the case concerns a Williams County unvaccinated child who allegedly got the disease from an out-of-state visitor.

Currently, the person is isolating at home to stop from transmitting measles to others. HHS is contacting individuals who might have been exposed and counseling unvaccinated people on quarantine length.

Particularly in young children and individuals with impaired immune systems, measles is a viral disease that can be rather dangerous.

Typical symptoms of measles include

fever
coughing
runny nose
eye irritation
And eventually a body-wide rash

Measles stays contagious for several days before and after symptoms start and travels readily through the air. Measles does not have a specific medical treatment; however, if a secondary bacterial infection develops, doctors may administer antibiotics.

Since most North Dakotans have had vaccinations, there is little risk to the population overall.

Those who were vaccinated as children and people born before 1957 are deemed protected because of past infection.

Director of HHS immunizations Molly Howell said, "Anyone with symptoms consistent with measles should call ahead before visiting a clinic to avoid exposing others." The department also states that the best defense against measles is vaccination. Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) immunization is safer than running the risk of measles disease, which has been safely used in the United States since 1973.

Health and Human Services Vaccine Suggestion

HHS advises two doses of the MMR vaccination, which is almost 97% effective in preventing infection. Children between 12 and 15 months of age and once more between 4 and 6 years should usually be vaccinated. Most individuals born in 1957 or after should have at least one recorded dosage. Given past experience with measles, those born before 1957 are presumed to be immune. Those working in medical environments are advised to get two doses.

To discuss vaccinations, families and people should see their reliable healthcare professional. Available at hhs.nd.gov/IRR or from their healthcare provider, HHS advises citizens to review their immunization records and find out whether they are current on MMR vaccination.

Most clinics offer vaccines; for families in need, the federally sponsored Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program provides assistance via local doctors.

For the 2024–2025 school year, North Dakota now reports an 81% MMR vaccination rate among toddlers and a 90% rate among kindergarteners.

Public health statistics indicate that typically, a 95% vaccination rate is required to stop more general spread in communities.