15 hours Ago By Michael McGurran
FARGO — West Fargo Public Schools is warning families about a measles outbreak in Williston but emphasizing there are no confirmed cases in the district. Superintendent Beth Slette informed parents and guardians via email Tuesday morning, encouraging awareness without panic. Under North Dakota Century Code, any unvaccinated student or adult exposed to measles must quarantine for at least 21 days, meaning no school, sports or other activities.
The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed nine measles cases in Williams County. Four of the individuals were contagious while inside three different Williston schools. So far, the outbreak is contained to Williams County, but health experts say that may not remain the case.
WDAY News spoke with Fargo Cass Public Health, Grand Forks Public Health and Sanford Hospital officials. All expressed similar sentiments: they expected measles would eventually reach North Dakota — and they are prepared. “It is no surprise that it’s here now,” said Dr.
Avish Nagpal, an infectious disease expert at Sanford Health. He attributes the outbreak, in part, to a post-COVID decline in vaccination rates across multiple immunizations, including the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine used to prevent the disease. “We are having a problem with trust in the community right now, after COVID,” Nagpal said.
“Misinformation about a link between the MMR vaccine and autism — there is no such link — continues to circulate.” Ashley Krone with Grand Forks Public Health said her team began coordinating with both city and rural schools immediately after the Williston outbreak was reported. “Measles is definitely on everybody’s minds,” Krone said.
At Fargo Cass Public Health, a sign now urges visitors to check for symptoms. Immunization coordinator Cheryl Wavrin said they’ve started conversations with schools and daycare centers to assess vaccination records and prepare for potential cases locally. “Now that it’s in western North Dakota, those conversations are ramping up,” Wavrin said.
“We’re getting the groundwork ready here, in case it does come to Cass County.” Nagpal believes it’s not a matter of if measles spreads beyond Williams County, but when. “We want vaccination rates to be around 95%, and we are lower than that,” he said.
“If the measles virus can find its way to Williams County, finding its way to Cass County is a little easier.” North Dakota’s overall MMR vaccination rate is just under 90%, while Williams County’s rate is about 80%. Health officials stress that the MMR vaccine is highly effective, with one dose providing 93% protection against measles.
It is recommended for nearly everyone, except pregnant individuals and those with compromised immune systems..
