Bismarck, N.D. – The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services is urging people to get vaccinated for measles, as the number of cases steadily rises.
As of May 6th, cases are now up to nine.
While all are in Williams County, state health professionals are concerned about further community spread.
“It can happen in any county,” NDHHS immunization director Molly Howell told Flag Family News.
North Dakota hasn’t had a confirmed case of measles since 2011.
The state says the five newer cases showed up in unvaccinated people who did not have prior contact with the initial infected patients.
Four of them were attending schools in Williston while infected.
Anyone who is planning to travel to Williams County is advised to catch up on their vaccines to contain the spread to other parts of the state.
“If you’re not vaccinated, nine times out of ten you’re going to get measles if you’re exposed,” said Howell.
Listen below: Flag Family’s Ken Duffy speaks with NDHHS Immunization Director Molly Howell
Howell says measles can be highly contagious even up to four days before a rash starts to show.
1 in 5 unvaccinated people can be hospitalized, and as many as 2 per 1,000 unvaccinated people can die.
“Vaccinated individuals shouldn’t be concerned necessarily because it [the vaccine] is 97% effective if you have two doses,” said Howell. “But we do want unvaccinated individuals regardless of where you live to have a conversation with your healthcare provider.”
The department recommends getting your medical facts, including immunization information, from a licensed healthcare provider “and not on social media and internet websites.”
Howell says it comes down to weighing the benefits and the downside of not getting your shots.
“We worry about going to into the ocean and getting bit by a shark but we didn’t think twice about flying or driving there,” said Howell. “It’s really about the risks of the disease.”
