WILLISTON, N.D. — North Dakota has reported its first case of measles in over ten years.
An unvaccinated child from Williams County contracted the virus, likely during a visit outside the state, as noted in a news release from the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services on May 2.
The child is currently isolated at home, although HHS did not reveal the child’s name, age, or health status.
“HHS is reaching out to individuals who might have been exposed and advising unvaccinated people on quarantine procedures,” the release stated.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that was once prevalent among children. It can result in severe, sometimes fatal, health complications for young kids and those with weakened immune systems, according to HHS.
The symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, eye irritation, and a widespread rash, the release indicated.
“Anyone experiencing measles-like symptoms should call ahead before visiting a healthcare facility to prevent exposing others,” said HHS Immunization Director Molly Howell. “Vaccination is the best protection against measles. The MMR vaccination is much safer than risking the illness itself, and it has been safely used in the U.S. since 1973.”
The infection spreads through the air and remains contagious a few days before and after symptoms emerge, as per HHS. Most people recover within about ten days of infection, according to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.
“There isn’t a specific treatment for measles, although antibiotics may be prescribed if a secondary bacterial infection occurs,” stated North Dakota HHS.
Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000 due to a “highly effective vaccination program,” according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recently, Texas has experienced an outbreak, accounting for more than two-thirds of the country’s 935 confirmed cases, as reported by the CDC on Friday.
Nearly 70% of these cases were identified in individuals aged 19 and younger, with three fatalities and 121 hospitalizations reported.
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has generally raised questions about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines. Nonetheless, he acknowledged on the social media platform X that the MMR vaccine is the “most effective way to prevent the spread of measles.”
The case in North Dakota marks the first reported since 2011. Minnesota documented its first case of the year in March.
North Dakota boasts a high vaccination rate, with about 81% among toddlers and 90% among kindergarteners, as reported by North Dakota HHS.
“Public health data indicates that a 95% vaccination rate is typically necessary to prevent the disease from spreading widely in communities,” HHS noted.
According to state health officials, two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective at preventing infection.
“The vaccine is generally recommended for children at 12-15 months, followed by a second dose between 4-6 years of age,” the release mentioned. “Most adults born in 1957 or later should have at least one documented dose. Those born before 1957 are usually considered immune due to past exposure to the virus.”
The state encourages families and individuals to discuss vaccination options with their healthcare providers.
