Context:

A measles outbreak in North Dakota's Williams County has led to the quarantine of nearly 200 unvaccinated schoolchildren to prevent further spread. This action was prompted by the Upper Missouri District Health Unit following nine reported cases in the state this year, with the quarantine lasting 21 days post-exposure. The district nurse coordinator had proactively informed families about potential outbreaks and the importance of vaccination to prevent significant school absences and health risks. Nationwide, the US has seen over 1,000 measles cases in 2025, many linked to a major outbreak in West Texas, with unvaccinated individuals comprising the majority of cases and hospitalizations. Despite efforts, the CDC reports a severe undercount of measles cases, highlighting the continued challenge of controlling the disease in the US since its elimination declaration in 2000.

Dive Deeper:

• In response to a local measles outbreak, health officials in Williams County, North Dakota, have quarantined 188 unvaccinated students for 21 days following exposure to the virus, as part of efforts to control the spread.

• The Williston Basin School District No. 7 was proactive, with nurse coordinator Lynn Douglas informing parents of the quarantine procedures and stressing the importance of vaccination to prevent disease spread.

• The US has recorded at least 1,018 measles cases in 2025, with a significant outbreak centered in West Texas affecting multiple states, including New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas, contributing to this high number.

• The majority of US measles cases this year have occurred in unvaccinated individuals, with 126 hospitalizations and three confirmed deaths reported, emphasizing the critical role of vaccination in disease prevention.

• Although measles was declared eliminated in the US in 2000, the current year mirrors 2019 as the only years with more than 1,000 reported cases, showcasing the challenges in maintaining disease elimination status.

• The CDC has stopped providing detailed state-by-state case counts, suggesting a potential underreporting of cases, which complicates public health efforts to monitor and control the outbreak effectively.

• The Upper Missouri District Health Unit, alongside state health departments, continues to mitigate the outbreak by enforcing health measures and encouraging vaccinations to protect public health.