North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) reports that the 2026 measles case count has risen to seven total confirmed cases, including six in Pembina County and one in Williams County. Two individuals have been hospitalized, and five of the cases involve adults over age 19.
Individuals contagious with measles visited numerous public locations throughout the state during their infectious period. Anyone who was present at these locations during the listed dates and times could have been exposed. Details of exposure locations, along with guidance on what to do if you may have been exposed, are available at hhs.nd.gov/measles.
Who is at risk?
Unvaccinated individuals are at the highest risk of contracting measles. Herd immunity is achieved when more than 95% of a community is vaccinated, protecting those who are too young, older, immunocompromised, or otherwise unable to receive vaccination. When vaccination rates drop, everyone’s risk increases.
Contact tracing and school exclusion
Following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HHS conducts contact tracing for all identified contacts and exposure sites. Individuals who may have been exposed could be contacted by health officials with guidance regarding quarantine, symptom monitoring and vaccination. Public locations are posted on the HHS website.
Schools, child care facilities, and other institutions follow public health recommendations and state law regarding temporary exclusion of unvaccinated students during outbreaks.
Families retain full authority to make medical decisions for their children, including claiming lawful immunization exemptions. Those who choose an exemption sign a state form acknowledging that, in the event of an exposure or outbreak, temporary exclusion from school or activities may be recommended to help protect public health. This language aligns with HHS communications alerting families about potential exposure.
What to do if you were exposed
- Monitor for symptoms of measles, including fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and rash.
- Contact your health care provider immediately if symptoms develop and before going to a health care facility for testing to prevent the spread of illness to others.
- If your immune system is weakened by disease or medications, do not wait for symptoms to develop; call your health care provider right away after you are aware of exposure.
- Vaccination can still prevent or lessen illness if administered promptly after exposure.
For the most up-to-date information on measles in North Dakota, exposure locations and prevention guidance, visit hhs.nd.gov/measles.