Two cases of measles reported in Cass County

BISMARCK, ND (MAY 11, 2025) - North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is reporting two measles cases in Cass County, bringing the state’s total to 11 cases in 2025. Both individuals were unvaccinated and acquired measles through international travel. One individual is hospitalized. The two cases in Cass County are not related to cases in Williams County.

Members of the public who were present at the following Cass County locations during specific dates and times may have been exposed.

Exposure locations:

Essentia Health – The Lights West Fargo Clinic (3150 Sheyenne St., Ste. 240, West Fargo, ND) on May 7 between 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. The east entrance to the clinic is shared with the Bar Down Sports Bar and Restaurant.
Essentia Health Walk-in Care – 52nd Avenue (4110 51st Ave. S, Fargo, ND) on May 9 between 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.

HHS, in coordination with Essentia Health, is identifying individuals who may have been exposed. Exposed individuals who were vaccinated don’t need to quarantine but should still monitor for symptoms for 21 days after exposure. Individuals who have not received a dose of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine should quarantine (stay home) and monitor for symptoms for 21 days.

“The MMR vaccine is 93% effective after one dose and 97% effective after two doses,” said Molly Howell, HHS immunization director. “People who are vaccinated and exposed to measles are not likely to develop the disease. MMR vaccination is critical to preventing the spread of measles in the community. Anyone who is eligible and has not yet been vaccinated is encouraged to contact a trusted health care provider about MMR vaccination.”

MMR is recommended starting at 12-15 months of age with a second dose at 4 - 6 years of age. Children who have already received two post-12-month doses of MMR are considered fully vaccinated. Adults born before 1957 are generally presumed immune due to natural exposure. Adults born in 1957 or later should ensure they have received at least one documented dose of MMR.

HHS is not recommending early (starting at six months) measles vaccination of infants in Cass County because cases there are linked to international travel.

Early measles vaccination is currently recommended for people living or visiting Williams County, as a result of community-acquired transmissions.

Individuals unsure of their vaccination status are encouraged to consult their health care provider. Immunization records can be reviewed at hhs.nd.gov/IRR or by contacting a provider.

Measles is a contagious, viral illness that can be serious, particularly for young children and those with compromised immune systems.

Measles symptoms often include:

fever
cough
runny nose
eye irritation
followed by a body-wide rash

Measles spreads easily through the air and remains contagious for several days before and after symptoms appear. There is no specific medical treatment for measles, antibiotics may be used in cases that have a developed secondary bacterial infection.

Because the majority of North Dakotans are vaccinated, the risk to the general public is low.

People who were vaccinated as children and adults born before 1957 are considered protected due to previous infection.

Vaccines are available through most clinics. For families in need, the federally funded Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program offers support through local providers.  

For information about measles, vaccination, or local clinic availability, contact the HHS Immunization Unit at 701-328-2378 or 711 (TTY), or visit hhs.nd.gov/measles.

For more information about measles or immunizations, contact the HHS Immunization Unit at 701.328.2378, 711 (TTY) or visit hhs.nd.gov/measles.

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