North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is reporting one confirmed measles case in Traill County and another case in Pembina County for a statewide total of 23 confirmed cases to date in 2026. This is the first case reported in Traill County.
The United States has confirmed 1,136 cases in 2026. Manitoba, Canada is currently reporting an outbreak of measles. Globally, increased measles cases are being reported in many countries.
Who is at risk?
Unvaccinated individuals are at the highest risk of contracting measles. Community immunity for measles is achieved when more than 95% of a community is vaccinated, protecting those who are too young, immunocompromised, or otherwise unable to receive vaccination. When vaccination rates drop, everyone’s risk increases. Vaccination rates have declined in North Dakota with 80% of children age 19-35 months and 89% of North Dakota kindergarteners up to date with measles vaccination recommendations. Local rates vary greatly, with some areas more susceptible to outbreaks.
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can be serious, particularly for young children and individuals with compromised immune systems. Measles spreads easily through the air and can remain in a room and on surfaces for up to two hours after a person who is contagious leaves that space. Individuals with measles are contagious for several days before and after symptoms appear.
What to do if you were exposed
Individuals who may have been exposed to measles are encouraged to monitor for symptoms, including fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and rash. If symptoms develop, contact a health care provider for testing. Testing is important so public health officials can follow-up and notify contacts about potential exposure.
Individuals who think they have measles should call first before seeking health care to avoid spreading measles to others. If not vaccinated, individuals are recommended to quarantine (stay at home) for 21 days after the date of exposure.
There is no antiviral treatment currently available for measles. Supportive care can be offered to measles patients, and resources often demand that families care for measles patients at home. In some instances, measles cases require hospitalization. Four confirmed cases in North Dakota have required hospitalization in 2026.
What are the measles vaccine recommendations?
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine has been around for decades and offers the best protection against measles. MMR is routinely recommended at 12-15 months of age with a second dose at 4-6 years of age.
Pembina County, North Dakota is currently considered an outbreak, so ND HHS is recommending early and accelerated vaccination for some individuals residing in or traveling to that county.
Individuals who are not fully vaccinated against measles, especially those residing in or traveling to areas experiencing outbreaks or internationally, are encouraged to talk to a trusted health care provider about measles vaccination.
For the most up-to-date information on measles in North Dakota, exposure locations and prevention guidance, visit hhs.nd.gov/measles.