North Dakota Health and Human Services confirmed two measles cases in Grand Forks County, marking the first cases in that area and the third county affected in the state. The Grand Forks cases are linked to international travel. Since May 2, the state has recorded 21 confirmed cases, including four in Cass County, two in Williams County, and one hospitalization. All cases involve unvaccinated individuals.
Due to community transmission in Williams County, HHS advises early MMR vaccination for residents and travelers there. No community spread has been found in Cass or Grand Forks counties, so early vaccination is not currently recommended. Molly Howell, immunization director at HHS, stressed that unvaccinated individuals exposed to measles should stay home for 21 days and monitor symptoms. Vaccination records and more information are available at hhs.nd.gov/measles.
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