North Dakota has reported its first measles cases since 2011, marking it as the 11th state in the United States to experience a measles outbreak. This surge is part of a larger trend, as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed a total of 935 cases nationwide, more than tripling the figures from 2024.

The most significant outbreak is currently centered in Texas, where 702 cases have been reported across 29 counties. The outbreak has also affected neighboring states, including New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Tragically, two unvaccinated children in Texas have died from measles-related complications, as has an unvaccinated adult in New Mexico.

In addition to North Dakota, the states experiencing active outbreaks include Indiana, Michigan, Montana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. In North America, there are ongoing outbreaks in Ontario, Canada, with 1,243 cases, and the Mexican state of Chihuahua, which has reported 922 cases along with one death. Health officials in both countries confirm that these outbreaks are linked to the same strain of the measles virus.

Measles is known for its high contagion rate, spreading through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes. The disease is preventable via vaccination; however, it has re-emerged in communities with lower vaccination rates, prompting concerns that these outbreaks could persist for an extended period.

Current Situation in Affected States

In Texas, state health officials reported 19 new cases, raising the total to 702. Most of these cases are concentrated in Gaines County, which has seen a staggering 403 cases since late January. The local population of 22,892 has been significantly impacted, with over 1.7% of residents diagnosed with measles. Notably, the first death attributed to the outbreak was an 8-year-old child, who succumbed to complications related to the virus.

Meanwhile, New Mexico has reported a steady count of 67 cases, primarily in Lea County. Hospitalizations in the state have reached seven since the onset of the outbreak. In Indiana, eight cases have been confirmed in Allen County, with no known connections to other outbreaks.

Kansas has also reported a rise in cases, with the total reaching 46 across eight counties. The first case in Kansas has been traced back to the Texas outbreak, according to genetic testing.

Michigan's Montcalm County has identified four cases linked to the Ontario outbreak, while Montana has confirmed five cases primarily among unvaccinated individuals who had traveled outside the state. These cases represent Montana's first measles instances in 35 years.

Details on North Dakota's Cases

North Dakota's health department announced its first measles case on May 2, 2025, and by May 6, the number had increased to nine. All confirmed cases are located in Williams County, situated near the Montana border. Health officials believe the initial case originated from an unvaccinated child who contracted the virus from an out-of-state visitor. The subsequent cases involve individuals who were also unvaccinated and had no direct contact with the initial case, raising concerns about community transmission.

Four individuals diagnosed with measles attended classes at local schools while infectious, leading to heightened worries among health officials.

Preventive Measures and Vaccination

The CDC emphasizes that vaccination remains the most effective method to prevent measles. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is typically administered in two doses: the first between 12 and 15 months of age and the second between 4 and 6 years. Communities that maintain high vaccination rates--above 95%--are better equipped to prevent the spread of diseases like measles, a phenomenon known as herd immunity.

However, vaccination rates have declined across the nation since the COVID-19 pandemic, with an increasing number of parents opting for exemptions on religious or personal grounds. This trend has contributed to the rise in measles cases, including a notable outbreak in Chicago last year that infected over 60 individuals.

Symptoms and Treatment

Measles symptoms typically begin in the respiratory tract and can escalate to include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a characteristic rash. The rash usually appears three to five days after initial symptoms and can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis. Currently, there is no specific treatment for measles, and management focuses on alleviating symptoms and preventing complications.