North Dakota Reports First Measles Case in Grand Forks County

Altru Health System emergency department identified as potential exposure site

Apr. 16, 2026 at 11:23pm

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An extreme close-up X-ray photograph of a human lung, glowing with ghostly detail against a dark background, conceptually representing the clinical nature of a measles outbreak.A translucent X-ray image of the human respiratory system highlights the clinical nature of a measles outbreak in North Dakota.Grand Forks Today

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) has confirmed one case of measles in Grand Forks County, marking the first reported case in the county for 2026. The individual likely acquired the infection within the state and reported no recent out-of-state or international travel, according to HHS. This case brings North Dakota's total confirmed measles cases to 33 for the year, with five individuals hospitalized to date.

Why it matters

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can lead to serious complications, especially in unvaccinated individuals. This case in Grand Forks County highlights the ongoing need for vaccination and vigilance to prevent the spread of measles in North Dakota communities.

The details

The infected person visited public locations in Grand Forks County during their infectious period, including the emergency department at Altru Health System on Sunday, April 12. Specific exposure windows at the Altru Emergency Department were from 11:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. and from 5:45 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. on April 12. Health officials advise that vaccinated individuals should monitor for symptoms for 21 days after exposure but do not need to quarantine, while unvaccinated individuals should quarantine, stay home, and monitor for symptoms for 21 days after last exposure.

  • On April 12, the infected person visited the Altru Health System emergency department in Grand Forks County.
  • The last day to watch for symptoms from potential exposure at Altru Health System is May 5.

The players

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS)

The state agency responsible for public health and social services in North Dakota.

Altru Health System

A regional healthcare provider with a hospital and emergency department located in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

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What they’re saying

“Vaccinated individuals (with at least one dose of MMR or MMRV vaccine) should monitor for symptoms for 21 days after exposure but do not need to quarantine.”

— North Dakota Health and Human Services

“Unvaccinated individuals should quarantine, stay home, and monitor for symptoms for 21 days after last exposure.”

— North Dakota Health and Human Services

What’s next

Health officials urge North Dakotans to watch for signs of measles and consult a trusted health care provider about vaccination, particularly if unvaccinated or unsure of their immunization status.

The takeaway

This measles case in Grand Forks County underscores the importance of vaccination and vigilance to prevent the spread of this highly contagious viral illness in North Dakota communities. Prompt action by public health authorities to identify potential exposure sites and provide guidance to the public is crucial to containing the outbreak.