WILLISTON, N.D. — North Dakota is currently facing a measles outbreak as health officials report an additional five cases identified in Williams County, bringing the total number of confirmed measles cases in the state to nine in 2025. According to the North Dakota Health and Human Services, all newly confirmed cases involve individuals who were unvaccinated and did not have reported contact with any previously identified cases. These individuals are currently following recommended guidelines by isolating at home to help limit further spread of the virus.
The first confirmed case of measles in North Dakota since 2011 was identified in Williston on May 2. This initial case involved an unvaccinated child from Williams County, who authorities believe contracted the virus from an out-of-state visitor. By May 5, officials confirmed that the total number of cases had increased to four, all of which were among unvaccinated individuals. The highly contagious nature of measles makes it essential for public health measures to be taken seriously.
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can lead to serious and even deadly complications, particularly in young children and individuals with weakened immune systems. Common symptoms include a high fever, persistent cough, runny nose, eye irritation, and a widespread body rash. Health officials in North Dakota have alerted members of the public who were at the Williston Walmart on April 29 between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. about potential exposure to the virus. Anyone who visited the store during that time is encouraged to monitor for symptoms and contact a healthcare provider if any symptoms develop.
As part of the response to the outbreak, health officials have confirmed that four of the diagnosed individuals were present in Williston schools while they were infectious. Under North Dakota Century Code, unvaccinated students are required to remain excluded from school for a duration of 21 days following exposure. Additionally, staff members who do not have documentation of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccination, or were born after 1957, are also advised not to attend school. The following schools have advised unvaccinated staff and students to stay home and monitor for symptoms:
Missouri Ridge Elementary: May 7 - May 23 Williston Middle School: May 7 - May 21 Williston High School: May 7 - May 21“Due to the current measles outbreak, please isolate at home if you experience symptoms such as runny nose, fever, cough, and rash,” stated Beverly Tong, deputy director of the Upper Missouri District Health Unit, in a recent release. “Isolation should continue until at least four full days after the onset of a rash. The time from exposure to the onset of the rash is generally around seven to 21 days, and individuals can spread measles up to four days before the rash appears.” Tong also recommended that anyone wishing to be tested for measles contact their primary healthcare provider.
Although the newly identified measles cases are not linked to earlier known exposures, state officials advise all residents and travelers to Williams County to ensure they are vaccinated against measles. This includes considering early MMR vaccinations for infants aged 6 to 11 months, as infants younger than 6 months are not eligible for the vaccine. North Dakota had not reported any measles infections since 2011, apart from this recent outbreak. Health officials note that recent measles outbreaks across the country are largely attributed to declining vaccination rates.
As of May 2, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a total of 935 measles cases nationwide, an increase from 884 cases the previous week. This surge includes 121 hospitalizations and three confirmed deaths related to the disease. The declining rates of MMR vaccinations in North Dakota kindergartners, which dropped from 95% in the 2019-2020 school year to 90% this year, is a concerning trend, according to the North Dakota News Cooperative.
It is crucial for communities to stay informed about the measles outbreak and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and others from this preventable disease.
