North Dakota Confirms 7th Measles Case

Outbreak spans multiple counties, with two hospitalizations reported

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

North Dakota has confirmed a seventh case of measles, with six cases in Pembina County and one in Williams County. The highly contagious respiratory virus has led to two hospitalizations, and exposure locations span across several counties, including schools and businesses in Cavalier, Colfax, Grand Forks, Fargo, and Walhalla.

Why it matters

Measles outbreaks can pose a serious public health threat, especially for vulnerable populations like young children and those with compromised immune systems. This outbreak in North Dakota highlights the importance of vaccination and public health monitoring to contain the spread of infectious diseases.

The details

The seven confirmed measles cases in North Dakota involve six adults over age 19 and one child under age 5. Health officials say people contagious with measles visited numerous public locations throughout the state during their infectious period, potentially exposing others to the virus.

  • The seventh case of measles was confirmed on February 18, 2026.

The players

North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services

The state agency responsible for monitoring and responding to public health issues, including the measles outbreak.

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What’s next

Health officials are urging anyone who may have been exposed to the measles virus to monitor for symptoms and seek medical care if they develop.

The takeaway

This measles outbreak in North Dakota underscores the need for continued vigilance and public health efforts to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, especially through vaccination and timely reporting of cases.