In Fargo, Moorhead, and West Fargo, over 800 students in public schools are currently not meeting the necessary vaccination requirements for measles, according to school officials. These students will remain in class for the time being, despite recent reports of the highly contagious virus reaching Cass County. The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services confirmed two cases of measles in Cass County, with both individuals infected during international travel. One of these cases has resulted in hospitalization.
The reported cases include both an adult and a child aged between 5 and 19 years, as indicated on the state’s measles website. Notably, these cases are separate from the nine other cases reported earlier this month in Williams County, where Williston is located. According to North Dakota law, schools exposed to a measles case must exclude unvaccinated children from class for a period of 21 days, which affects year-end celebrations, field trips, graduation ceremonies, and extracurricular activities.
West Fargo Public Schools has communicated their commitment to keeping stakeholders informed and prepared through a letter to parents and guardians. They emphasized that while there is currently no cause for concern, they are prepared to follow necessary legal protocols should a case arise. In Cass County, the state has not mandated any schools to exclude students yet.
Fargo Public Schools reports that 297 children, equating to 2.6% of its student body, are not vaccinated against measles. Meanwhile, West Fargo Public Schools has 303 students, or 2.3%, who are unvaccinated, and Moorhead has 237 students, representing 3% of its population. Health officials recommend that at least 95% of the population be vaccinated with the MMR vaccine to prevent widespread infection. Currently, North Dakota's vaccination rate is below 90%, while Minnesota stands at 86.5%. In Cass County, the vaccination rate is approximately 93%, and Clay County is at 87%.
In response to the outbreak, North Dakota health officials have instructed Williston Public Schools to exclude unvaccinated students from Missouri Elementary School, Williston Middle School, and Williston High School until late May. Williston has 150 children, or 2.8% of its student population, who do not meet MMR requirements. Superintendent Jason Germundson stated that these students are participating in virtual learning during their exclusion. The district plans to proceed with all sporting events, proms, and graduation ceremonies as scheduled.
Moorhead Public Schools, following the guidance of the Minnesota Department of Health, actively reviews its students' vaccination status and hosts vaccination events for families. District spokeswoman Brenda Richman highlighted the importance of accessibility for families in obtaining vaccinations and emphasized continuous outreach and education regarding the benefits of vaccination.
Both Fargo Public Schools and Moorhead Public Schools have confirmed that there have been no measles exposures within their facilities. Fargo Public Schools is collaborating with Fargo Cass Public Health to monitor the situation. In the event of a reported measles case, they will follow directions from health officials regarding any necessary actions affecting their schools.
The last day of school for Fargo is June 5, with graduation scheduled for June 6 and 8. West Fargo's last day is May 22, with graduation on May 25. Despite the ongoing situation, West Fargo Schools have reassured that all graduation ceremonies, sports, and year-end events are proceeding as planned.
Williston Schools have been preparing for the possibility of a measles outbreak for over a month, utilizing social media, local media, and direct communication to keep parents informed. Lynn Douglas, nursing director for the district, emphasized the importance of keeping the community updated on any potential health concerns.
As measles has recently entered Cass County, state health officials have been proactive in preparing to curb the virus's spread, which was once considered eradicated in the U.S. Fargo Cass Public Health has also been gearing up for measles since the first cases appeared this year, with increased outreach efforts to schools and childcare providers.
Fargo Cass Public Health will be hosting a walk-in clinic for the MMR vaccination, offering services from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday at their Fargo location. Individuals are encouraged to bring their insurance cards, although those without insurance can apply for assistance through the vaccines for children program. The health agency has also delivered the MMR vaccine to local schools, making it easier for parents to vaccinate their children.
Residents in Minnesota and North Dakota can check their vaccination records using the Docket app, and North Dakota vaccination locations can be found at hhs.nd.gov/immunizations. Meanwhile, Minnesota's vaccine map is accessible at health.state.mn.us/people/immunize/basics/vaxfinder..
