One case of measles reported in North Dakota

BURLEIGH COUNTY, N.D. (Valley News Live) – A case of measles has been reported to the North Dakota Department of Health, the first case of measles in the state since 2011.

The individual resides in Burleigh County and most likely contracted measles out of state. This individual has recovered and is no longer infectious. The North Dakota Department of Health is in the process of notifying people at risk for measles.

The individual traveled between many places in the Bismarck area while it was contagious before being diagnosed with measles. People who were at the following locations in Bismarck on the following dates and times are encouraged to monitor symptoms and to contact a health care provider if symptoms occur.

-All Mass at St. Anne's Church from August 20 to August 26, including the children of Saint Anne Elementary School who attended Mass on August 24th.

Additional locations:
20 August:
• Dan Supermarket on Turnpike Avenue: 1:00 – 16:00
August 22nd:
• Baptist Health Center: mass of 10:00
• Sainte-Marie High School and Sainte-Marie Academy: 1 pm to 4 pm

Measles is a serious illness that can lead to hospitalization and even death. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes, followed by a rash that usually extends from the head to the rest of the body. It usually takes 8 to 12 days, but can go up to 21 days, from exposure to the first symptom, usually fever.

The measles rash usually appears two to three days after the onset of fever. Measles is highly contagious and spreads easily by coughing, sneezing or even in the same room as someone who has measles. People with measles are contagious from four days before to four days after the onset of the rash.

"To prevent the spread of measles in health facilities, people with measles symptoms should call their health care provider before going to the clinic or hospital," said Molly Howell, manager the vaccination program. "People who have no trace of
two doses of MMR are encouraged to call their health care provider or the local public health unit for vaccination. For individuals who have received two doses of MMR, no measures other than symptom monitoring are required. "

It is recommended that all children be vaccinated against measles between 12 and 15 months and between 4 and 6 years of age. Measles is included in a combination vaccine with mumps and rubella (known as MMR vaccine). All adults born in 1957 or later should receive at least one dose of MMR vaccine.

All health care workers should have two doses of MMR vaccine. Currently, the rate of MMR vaccination of infants by North Dakota is 89.2%, against 91.1% for the United States. North Dakota MMR vaccination rates for kindergarten enrollment for the 2017-2018 school year were 94.24%. The goal is at least 95%.

Based on the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and in accordance with the North Dakota Code 23-07-17, children who have not received two doses of MMR when they are exposed to St. Mary's High School's Central St. Anne's Elementary School should be excluded from school for 21 days from the date of the show.

St. Mary's High School and Academy students who have not received two doses of MMR vaccine while exposed should be excluded from school and other activities until September 12th.
excluded from school and other activities until 14 September.
Individuals who wish to obtain a copy of their immunization record can contact their health care provider or local public health unit. Registrations can also be requested online at:

https://www.ndhealth.gov/Immunize/Public/ImmRecord.aspx.

So far in 2018, the United States has had 128 cases of measles. The last case of measles reported in North Dakota came from Cass County in 2011.

For more information on measles or vaccination, contact the NDDoH at 701.328.2378 or visit our website at www.ndhealth.gov/immunize.