Measles Warning! North Dakota Reports New Cases As Outbreak Expands Across 11 States (Image Credits: iStock)
North Dakota has joined 10 other US states in dealing with a measles outbreak. The state’s Health and Human Services Department confirmed nine cases in Williams County, located in western North Dakota.
Officials say three of these cases are linked to an unvaccinated child who may have caught the virus from someone visiting from another state. The other five people who got sick were not vaccinated and had no contact with the first few patients. This has raised fears that measles might be spreading within the community.
Measles Cases Rising Across the US
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 935 cases of measles have been reported in the US so far this year. That’s already three times higher than the total number of cases reported in 2024.
Most infections happen in children. About 30 per cent of cases are in kids under 5 years, and 38 per cent in children aged 5 to 19. There have also been 121 hospitalisations and three deaths linked to measles this year.
The CDC also says 96 per cent of those infected were not vaccinated or did not know their vaccination status. Only 4 per cent had received one or two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
States With the Most Cases
The largest outbreak is in Texas, where 702 cases have been confirmed during a three-month period. Other states with multiple cases include:
New Mexico (67 cases)
Indiana
Michigan
Montana
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
Tennessee
Measles cases have also been reported in over 30 states, including California, Florida, New York, and Washington.
What Are the Symptoms of Measles?
Measles is a very contagious virus that spreads through coughs and sneezes. The illness usually appears 7 to 14 days after exposure and comes in two stages:
Early symptoms:
Cough
Runny nose
Red, watery eyes
Later symptoms (after 2-3 days):
Tiny white spots inside the mouth (called Koplik spots)
How to Protect Yourself and Others
The best way to stay safe from measles is through vaccination. The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Doctors recommend:
First dose at 12 to 15 months of age
Two doses are about 97 per cent effective at preventing measles.
Other safety tips include:
Avoid close contact with people showing symptoms
Health officials are urging parents to make sure their children are fully vaccinated. Staying up to date on vaccines can help stop the virus from spreading and protect those who cannot be vaccinated, like infants or people with weak immune systems.
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