Measles Outbreak in North Dakota
FARGO — In less than a month since the first measles case was identified in North Dakota, the state now reports 21 individuals infected with the virus.
Grand Forks County confirmed its initial two cases last Friday, which puts it alongside Cass and Williams counties as the three areas reporting the disease.
Cass County added two more cases on the same day, increasing its total to six, while Williams County continues to have 13 cases.
The cases in Grand Forks County are tied to international travel, as noted by the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services. All reported cases involve individuals who have not been vaccinated, with one person in Cass County requiring hospitalization.
There is concern about potential exposure for passengers who were on United Airlines Flight 5293 from Denver to Williston on May 14, as well as those present at the Williston Basin International Airport that day between 10:22 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Molly Howell, the immunization director at North Dakota Health and Human Services, emphasized the importance of individuals without immunity staying at home and avoiding contact with others for 21 days following exposure.
Meanwhile, the state health department states that most residents have been vaccinated against measles, indicating a low risk for the general population. Those vaccinated as children and adults born prior to 1957 are considered to have immunity due to past infections.
Interestingly, there are over 800 students in the Fargo-Moorhead area who have not received measles vaccinations.
The first case this year in North Dakota emerged in Williams County on May 2, while the initial cases in Cass County were reported on May 11.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can be deadly, especially for young children and individuals with compromised immune systems. The virus spreads through the air and can linger in an environment for up to two hours. It can even navigate between floors via ventilation systems.
Common symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose or eye irritation, followed by a widespread rash. There isn’t a specific medical treatment for measles.
For further information regarding measles, vaccinations, or available local clinics, contact the Health and Human Services Immunization Unit at 701-328-2378 or visit hhs.nd.gov/measles.
