VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The number of measles cases across the country continues to grow, recently a few cases were reported in Williams and Cass Counties in North Dakota.
City-County Health District in Valley City has been providing the school district with information about measles for the past couple of months. Attached below are some documents for public information and vaccination rates at Valley City Public Schools. 97.6% of our K-12 Students are Vaccinated for MMR (98.11% in Kindergarten, 98.75% in 11th Grade)
The recommendations for “herd immunity” (meaning those who are vaccinated will protect those not and prevent spread) is a minimal vaccination rate of 95%. The school district is well above the recommended and state average vaccination rate for k-12 students of 89.98%.
If you have any questions and/or concerns about measles, feel free to contact the school district office, school nurse Amanda Nielsen (anielsen@barnescounty.us), or contact City-County Health District at 701.845.8518.
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is reporting two measles cases in Cass County, bringing the state’s total to 11 cases in 2025. Both individuals were unvaccinated and acquired measles through international travel. One individual is hospitalized. The two cases in Cass County are not related to cases in Williams County.
Members of the public who were present at the following Cass County locations during specific dates and times may have been exposed.
Exposure locations:
Essentia Health – The Lights West Fargo Clinic (3150 Sheyenne St., Ste. 240, West Fargo, ND) on May 7 between 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. The east entrance to the clinic is shared with the Bar Down Sports Bar and Restaurant.
Essentia Health Walk-in Care – 52nd Avenue (4110 51st Ave. S, Fargo, ND) on May 9 between 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.
HHS, in coordination with Essentia Health, is identifying individuals who may have been exposed. Exposed individuals who were vaccinated don’t need to quarantine but should still monitor for symptoms for 21 days after exposure. Individuals who have not received a dose of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine should quarantine (stay home) and monitor for symptoms for 21 days.
“The MMR vaccine is 93% effective after one dose and 97% effective after two doses,” said Molly Howell, HHS immunization director. “People who are vaccinated and exposed to measles are not likely to develop the disease. MMR vaccination is critical to preventing the spread of measles in the community. Anyone who is eligible and has not yet been vaccinated is encouraged to contact a trusted health care provider about MMR vaccination.”
MMR is recommended starting at 12-15 months of age with a second dose at 4 – 6 years of age. Children who have already received two post-12-month doses of MMR are considered fully vaccinated. Adults born before 1957 are generally presumed immune due to natural exposure. Adults born in 1957 or later should ensure they have received at least one documented dose of MMR.
HHS is not recommending early (starting at six months) measles vaccination of infants in Cass County because cases there are linked to international travel.
Early measles vaccination is currently recommended for people living or visiting Williams County, as a result of community-acquired transmissions.
Individuals unsure of their vaccination status are encouraged to consult their health care provider. Immunization records can be reviewed at hhs.nd.gov/IRR or by contacting a provider.
Measles is a contagious, viral illness that can be serious, particularly for young children and those with compromised immune systems.
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