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North Dakota Measles Cases Surge, Hospitalizations Rise
28 Feb
Summary
- Measles cases in North Dakota have nearly doubled to 21 this week.
- Four individuals required hospitalization due to the measles infection.
- Health officials urge vaccination and quarantine for unvaccinated individuals.
Measles cases in North Dakota have nearly doubled this week, reaching a total of 21 confirmed infections. Four of these individuals have required hospitalization. The majority of the new cases were reported in Pembina County, bringing its total to 19 since early February. Earlier cases were identified in Walsh County and Williams County.
Health officials have identified 26 exposure sites and are urging unvaccinated individuals who were present during listed times to quarantine for 21 days. Of the 21 cases, seven involved children under five, eight were in the 5-19 age group, and six were adults. Fifteen cases involved unvaccinated or unknown vaccination status individuals, while six had received at least one MMR vaccine dose.
Molly Howell, director of the HHS Disease Control and Forensic Pathology Section, stated that two MMR vaccine doses provide 97% protection. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, eye irritation, and a rash, with transmission possible up to four days before the rash appears. Vaccination is deemed critical for community prevention.
Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 154 new measles cases this week, contributing to a total of 1,136 cases across 27 states in 2026. This is a significant increase from the previous week. In 2025, there were 2,281 reported cases across 44 states.
