North Dakota has confirmed its first case of measles since 2011, involving an unvaccinated child from Williams County who contracted the illness from an out-of-state visitor. The individual is isolating at home to prevent further spread.
According to Health and Human Services (HHS), measles spreads easily through the air, remaining contagious for several days before and after symptoms appear. There is no specific medical treatment, but antibiotics may be used in cases of secondary bacterial infection.
The risk to the general public remains low due to high vaccination rates among North Dakotans. The state reports an 81% vaccination rate among toddlers and a 90% rate among kindergarten students for the 2024-2025 school year.
To prevent further spread, HHS is contacting those who may have been exposed and advising unvaccinated individuals on quarantine guidelines. Vaccination remains the most effective defense against measles, with two doses of the MMR vaccine offering about 97% protection.
Source: https://www.kfyrtv.com/2025/05/03/measles-case-reported-north-dakota