Fargo Schools Warn of Rising Measles Cases

Fargo-Cass Public Health distributes memo to students about measles symptoms and precautions

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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With measles cases on the rise across the country and in North Dakota, Fargo-Cass Public Health has sent a memo to local students and their families outlining the common symptoms of measles, how contagious it can be, and instructions for accessing immunization records. The memo warns unvaccinated students who may have been exposed to stay home from school and activities until cleared by the health department.

Why it matters

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can lead to serious complications, especially in young children. The memo aims to raise awareness and encourage vaccination to prevent the spread of measles in the Fargo community.

The details

The memo, signed by the School Nurse Manager, provides information about the most common measles symptoms, such as fever, cough, runny nose, and a distinctive red rash. It also emphasizes how easily measles can spread from person to person. The memo instructs parents on how to access their child's immunization records and warns that unvaccinated students who were exposed to the virus should stay home from school and extracurricular activities until cleared by the health department.

  • So far in 2026, 21 measles cases have been confirmed in North Dakota.

The players

Fargo-Cass Public Health

The local public health department that distributed the measles memo to students and families.

North Dakota Department of Health

The state health department that is monitoring the measles cases and determining when unvaccinated students can safely return to school.

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The takeaway

This memo highlights the importance of vaccination and vigilance in preventing the spread of measles, a serious but preventable disease. It serves as a reminder for families to ensure their children's immunizations are up-to-date and to be aware of the symptoms and precautions related to measles.