The immunization director at North Dakota Health and Human Services has confirmed that the state is currently experiencing its first measles outbreak in fourteen years. This alarming news comes as health officials report nine confirmed cases of the disease, all linked to unvaccinated individuals from Williams County. According to Molly Howell, the last reported case of measles in North Dakota occurred in 2011.
As of today, Howell has revealed that the nine confirmed cases of measles are associated with individuals who attended schools in Williston while they were infectious. In response to the outbreak, approximately 180 students are currently isolating for 21 days to help curb the spread of this highly contagious disease. Howell emphasized that students who have not received at least one dose of the measles vaccine have been instructed to isolate.
Howell highlighted the extreme infectiousness of measles, noting that nine out of ten unvaccinated individuals exposed to the virus are likely to develop symptoms. To combat the outbreak, vaccination clinics are being organized in Williston, with sessions scheduled for this evening and tomorrow. Howell urged community members to take advantage of these clinics to protect themselves and their families.
In light of the outbreak, the North Dakota Health and Human Services has revised its immunization recommendations for residents living in or traveling to Williams County. Typically, the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella) is administered to infants at 12 months old. However, officials now recommend that infants in Williams County receive their first MMR vaccine as early as six months of age. Additionally, the second dose, usually given between 4 to 6 years of age, is now advised to be administered early, provided that at least 28 days have passed since the first dose.
Howell noted that state health officials have been proactive in preparing for potential outbreaks by conducting tabletop exercises in collaboration with schools and local public health departments. To ensure effective communication with the public, fact sheets containing essential talking points are ready to be distributed. The state lab is also prepared for testing, and a public dashboard is set to keep the community informed of the situation.
According to Howell, MMR vaccines are widely available across North Dakota, and anyone interested in getting vaccinated is encouraged to consult their healthcare providers. Howell reassured residents that the vaccine is highly effective, with a 93 percent effectiveness rate after one dose and 97 percent after two doses. Most North Dakotans are vaccinated, and health officials want to alleviate unnecessary panic regarding the outbreak.
As North Dakota navigates this measles outbreak, it is crucial for residents to stay informed and prioritize vaccination to protect themselves and their communities.
