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 five additional measles cases in Williams County, raising the total to nine cases in 2025. The newly identified individuals were unvaccinated and had no known contact with previously reported cases. They are currently isolating at home as a preventive measure.
Individuals who visited the Williston Walmart on April 29 between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. may have been exposed to measles. Those potentially exposed should monitor for symptoms and consult a healthcare provider if symptoms appear.
Four of the diagnosed individuals attended Williston schools while infectious. According to North Dakota Century Code 23-07-17, unvaccinated students must be excluded from school for 21 days after exposure. Staff without MMR vaccination documentation or born after 1957 should also be excluded. Affected schools include Missouri Ridge Elementary, Williston Middle School, and Williston High School with specific exclusion dates provided.
Dr. Beverly Tong of the Upper Missouri District Health Unit advised, "Due to the current measle outbreak, please isolate at home if you have symptoms of runny nose, fever, cough and rash." She emphasized isolation until four full days after rash onset due to potential transmission before rash appearance.
The concern over community transmission persists as some new cases lack links to earlier exposures. HHS recommends all residents and travelers ensure they are vaccinated against measles, including early MMR vaccination for infants aged 6 through 11 months when visiting or residing in Williams County.
Adults born before 1957 are generally presumed immune; however, those born later should confirm receiving two documented doses of MMR vaccine if living or visiting Williams County.
Vaccination clinics will be held by the Upper Missouri District Health Unit at their location on Broadway in Williston on May 8 and May 9 during specified hours.
HHS advises anyone with measles-like symptoms or close contact with infected individuals not to visit clinics directly but instead contact their healthcare provider beforehand.
Alerts Sign-up