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 area. These cases are linked to international travel, making Grand Forks the third county affected by measles in North Dakota.
The total number of confirmed measles cases in the state has risen to 21 since May 2. This includes two additional cases in Williams County, four in Cass County, and the two recent ones in Grand Forks County. So far, one person has required hospitalization.
All individuals diagnosed with measles were unvaccinated. The new cases identified in Williams and Cass counties were connected to known instances of measles transmission.
Due to community transmission confirmation in Williams County, HHS advises early and accelerated MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccination for residents or travelers to this area. However, there is no current recommendation for early vaccination in Cass or Grand Forks counties as investigations show no community spread there. HHS will update guidance as more data becomes available.
An individual with measles was contagious while traveling on United Flight UA5293 from Denver to Williston on May 14. Public exposure may have occurred at Williston Basin International Airport between 10:22 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on that day. HHS is collaborating with local partners, the Colorado Department of Health, and the CDC Quarantine Station to identify those potentially exposed.
Vaccinated individuals or those born before 1957 do not need to quarantine but should monitor for symptoms for 21 days after exposure. "It is essential that individuals without immunity stay home and avoid contact with others for 21 days following exposure," said Molly Howell, immunization director at North Dakota Health and Human Services.
Adults born before 1957 are presumed immune due to natural exposure; however, those born later should confirm they have received at least one documented dose of MMR vaccine. The vaccine is recommended starting at 12-15 months old with a second dose at ages 4-6 years.
"The MMR vaccine is highly effective and provides approximately 93% protection after one dose and 97% after two doses," Howell stated. She encouraged eligible individuals who haven't been vaccinated yet to consult their healthcare provider about receiving the vaccine.
Individuals unsure about their vaccination status can review records at hhs.nd.gov/IRR or consult their healthcare provider. Vaccines are widely available through clinics, with support from the federally funded Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program for families needing assistance.
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness characterized by fever, cough, runny nose, eye irritation, and a rash spreading across the body. It spreads through air droplets and can linger up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. Treatment focuses on symptom relief as there is no specific cure for measles; complications like pneumonia require medical care.
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