North Dakota measles outbreak grows to seven cases; Fargo locations added to exposure list

FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) – North Dakota reported its seventh confirmed measles case Wednesday as state health officials continue tracking exposures across the FM area.

The outbreak has prompted health officials to monitor more than a dozen exposure locations, including Sam’s Club in Fargo, where potential exposure occurred Feb. 9.

“It is one of the most contagious diseases known to us,” said Dr. Avish Nagpal, an infectious disease specialist. “One person who gets measles will, on an average expose 18 other people to measles. Compare this to flu and COVID, between 1 to 5.”

The outbreak affected at least one North Dakota high school wrestler, whose season ended after exposure at a Walhalla wrestling tournament. The unvaccinated student’s father, Stuart, said the state health department called while they were in their hotel room.

“We were already in bed in our hotel room, and first, our athletic director called and then, which he was told to call by this health department person, and she did not give us any room,” Stuart said in an interview with The Jay Thomas Show.

Stuart’s son was told to go home, missing his chance to compete at state. When Stuart called back the next day, he said the health department’s tone changed.

“I called her back and then she stepped back a little bit and said, ‘it was a recommendation.’ And I’m like, ‘That was not a recommendation. You never came across like it was a recommendation last night,’” Stuart said.

The state health department said it did not force anyone to leave the tournament and only provided CDC guidance.

Health officials recommend people check their vaccination records if they were at exposure locations.

“One dose of measles vaccine will give you about 94% protection, and if you have 2 doses, it will give you 97% protection,” Nagpal said. “Check your vaccination status. If you’re not up to date, call your provider, get the vaccine today.”

To see the full exposure list, click here.

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