BISMARCK — North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) has confirmed the state’s first case of measles since 2011. The case involves an unvaccinated child from Williams County who is believed to have contracted the illness from an out-of-state visitor.

The individual is currently isolating at home to avoid spreading measles to others, HHS stated in a news release. HHS is contacting those who may have been exposed and advising unvaccinated individuals how long to quarantine .

Measles is a contagious, viral illness that can be serious, particularly for young children and those with compromised immune systems.

Measles symptoms often include fever, cough, runny nose, eye irritation, followed by a body-wide rash.

Measles spreads easily through the air and remains contagious for several days before and after symptoms appear. There is no specific medical treatment for measles, although antibiotics may be used in cases that have a developed secondary bacterial infection.

Because the majority of North Dakotans are vaccinated, the risk to the general public is low.

People who were vaccinated as children and adults born before 1957 are considered protected due to previous infection.

“Anyone with symptoms consistent with measles should call ahead before visiting a clinic to avoid exposing others. Vaccination remains the most effective defense against measles,” said Molly Howell, HHS immunization director. The measles, mumps, rubella vaccine has been safely used in the United States since 1973, she said.

North Dakota currently reports an 81% MMR vaccination rate among toddlers,and a 90% rate among kindergarten students for the 2024-2025 school year. According to public health data, a 95% vaccination rate is generally needed to prevent wider spread in communities.