From ND Health and Human Services - Health Alert - Measles

HEALTH ALERT NETWORK | HEALTH ADVISORY | February 24, 2025
Be Vigilant for Measles Cases

The current measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico, which has now grown to 99
cases, is raising concern for the potential of further spread, including to North Dakota. In
2024, the United States experienced 285 cases, the majority of which were in children
and unvaccinated, with 42% of the 2024 cases needing hospitalization.

No cases have been identified in North Dakota. Vaccination rates have declined in North
Dakota with 81% of children age 19-35 months and 90% of North Dakota
kindergarteners up-to-date on measles vaccine. Local rates vary greatly, with some areas
more susceptible to outbreaks. Experts believe measles immunization coverage needs to
be above 95% to prevent outbreaks of disease.

North Dakota Health and Human Services (ND HHS) would like North Dakota healthcare
providers to consider measles in their patients with signs and symptoms, including
cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, fever, malaise, and maculopapular rash. People at
increased risk of contracting measles include those who are unvaccinated,
immunocompromised, or have recently traveled to areas with measles cases or where
measles is endemic. Suspected cases of measles should immediately be reported to the
ND HHS Disease Control and Forensic Pathology Section by calling 1.800.472.2180 or
701.328.2378. Individuals who are suspected to have measles should immediately be
placed in a negative pressure room or roomed alone if in a hospital or clinical setting.
Individuals should isolate at home while awaiting test results. Providers should order a
PCR and IgM tests on patients for whom measles is suspected.

Providers are also reminded to encourage measles vaccination, especially for
unvaccinated people planning to travel abroad or to domestic areas with measles cases.
Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is routinely recommended around the first
birthday and at four to six years of age. Two doses of MMR vaccine are recommended
to ensure proper protection against measles. People born before 1957 are presumed to
be immune to measles, as these individuals have a high likelihood of having had the
disease.

Measles is a dangerous illness. About one in 500 people who are infected with measles
will die. Hospitalization is typically required in at least 20% of people, and treatment
options are limited to supportive care. Because the virus is airborne, people infected
with measles are extremely contagious and should be hospitalized in a negative
pressure room, although outbreaks threaten to exceed this resource quickly. Those with
no immunity who are exposed to measles must quarantine for 21 days after exposure,
which may include missing school or work.

For more information, including regional data on vaccination coverage, please visit the
North Dakota Immunization Unit website at https://hhs.nd.gov/immunizations.