Unvaccinated wrestler exposed to measles competes at tournament

North Dakota health officials notify family of potential measles exposure but do not prohibit athlete from competing

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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A North Dakota high school wrestler who was not vaccinated for measles was exposed to the disease at a previous wrestling tournament and was notified by the state Department of Health and Human Services. The family was told the wrestler needed to be removed from the hotel and tournament, but health officials say they did not issue any legal orders and only provided quarantine guidance to exposed families.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between public health protocols and individual rights, especially when it comes to vaccine exemptions and the potential impact on school and extracurricular activities. It also raises questions about how health departments communicate with families and sports organizations during disease outbreaks.

The details

The wrestler, who has a religious vaccine exemption, was exposed to measles at a tournament the previous week in Walhalla, North Dakota. Health officials notified the family late at night that the wrestler needed to be removed from the hotel and tournament in Valley City. However, health officials later clarified they did not issue any legal orders, but only provided quarantine guidance to exposed families per CDC protocols for highly contagious diseases like measles.

  • On February 7, a person contagious with measles attended the Northeast Sub-Region Wrestling Dual Tournament in Walhalla, North Dakota.
  • On February 17, the wrestler's family was notified at 10:30 PM that the wrestler needed to be removed from the hotel and tournament in Valley City.

The players

Stuart

The father of the unvaccinated wrestler who was exposed to measles and told to remove his son from the tournament.

North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services

The state agency that conducted contact tracing and notified families of potential measles exposure following a case at a previous wrestling tournament.

Mindy Michaels

The communications manager for the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services who clarified that the agency did not remove any students or prohibit athletes from competing, but only provided quarantine guidance to exposed families.

Tom Mix

The media specialist for the North Dakota High School Athletics and Activities Association who stated the organization was not aware of the health department's calls to the wrestler's family.

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What they’re saying

“She stepped back a little bit and said it was a recommendation. I'm like 'That was not a recommendation. You never came across like it was a recommendation last night.' She told us that he needed to be out of there. I said 'Is it alright if he stays overnight?' and she said no.”

— Stuart, Father of unvaccinated wrestler (The Jay Thomas Show)

“Per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, HHS notified parents of all exposed students and provided quarantine guidance.”

— Mindy Michaels, Communications Manager, North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (am1100theflag.com)

What’s next

The wrestler was able to compete at the state wrestling tournament with his team, though he will be excluded from school until sometime in March due to the potential measles exposure.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing public health protocols with individual rights, especially when it comes to vaccine exemptions and the impact on student activities. It underscores the need for clear, transparent communication between health departments, schools, and families during disease outbreaks.