North Dakota now leads the nation in measles cases per capita after six new infections were reported over the weekend, bringing the state’s rate to 4.3 cases per 100,000 residents.
The state has recorded 34 measles cases across four counties, with Williams County reporting 16 cases and Grand Forks County reporting 10. Twenty-six cases involve children ages 5-19, and none of those infected were previously vaccinated.
Dr. Stephen McDonough, a former state public health officer, attributes the outbreak to North Dakota’s vaccination rate below 90% – short of the 95% needed to prevent widespread infection. “In 1990, North Dakota was deemed the healthiest state in the nation,” he said. “But now, in the last five years, the state has had three substantial infectious disease outbreaks. This is not an aberration. This is a pattern, and a horrible one. It is indicative of very serious public health problems in the state.”
State health officials are conducting contact tracing and have set up vaccination clinics. The measles vaccine is 97% effective with two doses, and officials encourage residents to consult healthcare providers about vaccination.
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