Health Officials Monitoring Area Measles Concerns
With the spread of measles being reported in Williston, N.D., along with some parts of Montana, health officials are urging area residents to take precautions to avoid the spread of cases. Reports are that cases of measles have reached 29 states.
The Williams County Health Department in Williston has recently reported nine cases of measles. Williams County is now considered an “outbreak area” for measles. Officials note that measles is highly contagious and that the virus can linger in the air for two hours.
The spread of measles can occur before people know they have the disease, and before any rash appears. Individuals who are immune to measles through vaccination, have laboratory evidence of immunity, have laboratory confirmation of disease, or were born before 1957 are not considered at risk for infection. Individuals without prior measles infection or vaccination have a 90 percent likelihood of contracting the disease if exposed.
“While it is unfortunate to have cases of measles after 35 years of disease inactivity in Montana, we have been working diligently with our local partners to prepare,” DPHHS Public Health Physician, Dr. Maggie Cook-Shimanek said in a press release. “It is important for everyone to know their vaccination status and to visit with their health department or health care provider if they are unsure.”
Measles is a highly infectious airborne disease that typically begins with a fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, white spots in the mouth, and a red rash that appears about 14 days after exposure. The rash usually starts on the face and spreads downward to the rest of the body. It is particularly dangerous for infants for whom vaccination is generally not recommended until 12 months of age. Maintaining a high level of vaccination in the community helps protect infants who are too young to be vaccinated, as well as individuals who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.
At this time, there is no change to measles vaccination recommendations in Montana if persons are not traveling outside the state. Children should receive their first dose of MMR at age 12 to 15 months and their second dose at 4-6 years. Unvaccinated children and adolescents are recommended to receive two appropriate doses of MMR vaccine. Unvaccinated adults may need one or two doses of MMR vaccine, depending on their circumstance, if they do not have evidence of immunity. People born before 1957 are considered to have presumed immunity.
As a precaution, North Dakota Health and Human Services recommends that all residents and travelers to Williams County ensure they are vaccinated against measles. This includes consideration of early MMR vaccination for infants aged 6 through 11 months.
Children visiting Williams County ages 12 months or older should receive their first dose of MMR if they have not already, followed by a second dose at least 28 days later. Children who received an age-appropriate first dose at 12 months of age should receive the second dose sooner than 4-6 years old, and at least 28 days after their first dose.
Adults born after 1957 traveling to Williams County should be up to date on MMR vaccination with two doses of MMR, separated by at least 28 days.
If you are unsure of your vaccination status, here are a few places you can review:
• Call your old high school, college, or university and ask if they have vaccination records.
• Contact your doctor’s office, urgent care, or pediatrician. Even if you have not been there in years, they may still have records.
• Reach out to the health department where you grew up.
• Check your home state immunization registries.
Anyone who does not know their vaccination status or is unable to find their record may receive a dose of MMR.
The Roosevelt County Health Department will host MMR vaccine clinics on May 15, May 16, May 20 and May 21, from 9-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. in the Roosevelt County Conference Room at 124 Custer St. in Wolf Point.
For more information, contact the Roosevelt County Health Department at 406-653-6223.
