North Dakota Reports First Measles Case of 2026

Unvaccinated individual acquired disease out of state, no known community exposure locations

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services reported the state's first measles case of 2026 in Williams County. The individual was unvaccinated and acquired the disease out of state, with no known community exposure locations. This case serves as a reminder that measles continues to circulate worldwide and in the U.S., and the department encourages residents to ensure their vaccination status is up-to-date.

Why it matters

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can spread easily through the air and remain in a room or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves. Outbreaks can occur when vaccination rates drop, posing a public health risk, especially for vulnerable populations. This case highlights the ongoing need for vaccination efforts to prevent the spread of measles in North Dakota.

The details

The individual with the measles case is 20 or older. In 2025, North Dakota reported 36 measles cases, the first since 2011, with half of those cases occurring in Williams County. That outbreak prompted about 180 unvaccinated students to quarantine due to possible exposure, and three cases required hospitalization.

  • On February 4, 2026, the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services reported the state's first measles case of the year.

The players

North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services

The state agency responsible for public health and human services in North Dakota, including monitoring and responding to disease outbreaks like measles.

Molly Howell

The director of the department's disease control and forensic pathology section, who stated that this measles case serves as a reminder that the disease continues to circulate worldwide and in the U.S.

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What they’re saying

“This case serves as a reminder to North Dakotans that measles continues to circulate worldwide and in the United States.”

— Molly Howell, Director of the Department of Health and Human Services' disease control and forensic pathology section (kfgo.com)

What’s next

The Department of Health and Human Services encourages people who are unsure of their vaccination status to contact their health care provider. The department also recommends vaccination for children starting at 12-15 months with a second dose at 4-6 years of age.

The takeaway

This measles case highlights the ongoing need for vaccination efforts in North Dakota to prevent the spread of this highly contagious disease, especially as outbreaks can occur when vaccination rates drop. Maintaining high vaccination coverage is crucial to protect public health and vulnerable populations.