North Dakota’s Department of Health and Human Services confirmed two new measles cases in Cass County on Sunday, bringing the state’s total to 11 since May 2. Both individuals were unvaccinated, with one requiring hospitalization, and both cases are linked to international travel.
Two Essentia Health clinics in Fargo were exposed: The Lights West Fargo Clinic on May 7 and the Walk-in Care Clinic on May 9. Officials advise unvaccinated individuals who visited these locations to quarantine for 21 days. This follows last week’s exposure at three Williston schools that resulted in 150 unvaccinated students isolating at home. Nine cases have been confirmed in Williams County.
Immunization Director Molly Howell stressed that the MMR vaccine is 93% effective after one dose and 97% after two doses, noting that vaccinated people exposed to measles are unlikely to develop the disease. Adults born before 1957 are generally presumed immune due to natural exposure, the department said. Symptoms, which can appear up to 21 days after exposure, include fever, cough, runny nose, eye irritation, and rash. The risk of infection for the general public is low, as most North Dakotans are immunized for the disease.
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