North Dakota reports six measles cases, 23 potential exposure sites listed

The ND Monitor reports that North Dakota has six confirmed measles cases with 23 potential exposure sites in Cavalier, Colfax, Grand Forks, Fargo, and Walhalla from February 4th-11th, the Department of Health and Human Services announced Monday.

Pembina County reported five cases: three adults, one child under 5, and one between ages 5-19. Williams County has one case involving an unvaccinated adult who contracted measles while traveling out of state. Molly Howell, director of disease control, tells Michael Achterling from the North Dakota Monitor she expects additional cases.

Unvaccinated people born after 1957 who were at exposure sites should quarantine for 21 days. Those with at least one MMR vaccine dose don’t need to quarantine but should monitor for symptoms including fever, cough, runny nose, eye irritation, and rash. At least one person has been hospitalized.

Howell warns measles is much more contagious than flu, as one person infected with the flu will likely spread it to one or two people, while one person with measles can spread it to 18 others. The MMR vaccine is 97% effective with two doses. Nationally, 910 cases have been confirmed across 24 states this year, with 94% occurring in unvaccinated people. Anyone with symptoms should call ahead before visiting a clinic to prevent waiting room exposure.