North Dakota Reports First Measles Case Of Year
Williams County in northwest North Dakota reported a measles case, the state’s first case of the disease in 2026, the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services said Wednesday, Feb. 4.
The individual was unvaccinated and acquired the disease out of state, the department said in a statement. The agency’s measles dashboard indicates the person is 20 or older.
There are no known community exposure locations, the agency said.
“This case serves as a reminder to North Dakotans that measles continues to circulate worldwide and in the United States,” said Molly Howell, director of the department’s disease control and forensic pathology section.
In 2025, North Dakota reported 36 measles cases, the first since 2011. Half of last year’s cases were in Williams County, which prompted about 180 unvaccinated students to quarantine last spring due to possible exposure.
Three cases statewide required hospitalization last year. The last 2025 case was confirmed in July, according to the department’s measles dashboard.
The Department of Health and Human Services encouraged people who are unsure of their vaccination status to contact their health care provider. Howell said the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is 97% effective after two doses, and those who are vaccinated are unlikely to develop the disease. The department recommends vaccination for children starting at 12-15 months with a second dose at 4-6 years of age. Immunization records can be reviewed at hhs.nd.gov/IRR.
The federal Vaccines for Children Program provides vaccines at no cost through participating health care providers for families in need.
People who believe they may have measles should contact a health provider before seeking treatment at a clinic or medical center to prevent community spread of the disease, according to the department.
Measles symptoms often include fever, cough, runny nose and eye irritation, followed by a widespread rash, according to the department.
Measles can spread easily through the air and may remain in a room, or on surfaces, for up to two hours after a person who is contagious leaves that space. Individuals with measles are contagious for several days before and after symptoms appear, the department said.
