Measles Cases on The Rise in North Dakota

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(North Dakota Monitor) – Measles symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and eye irritation, followed by a widespread rash. People can transmit the disease for up to four days before a rash develops, according to the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services.

Molly Howell, director of the HHS Disease Control and Forensic Pathology Section, said people who receive two doses of MMR vaccine are 97% protected against contracting measles.

“People who are vaccinated and exposed to measles are unlikely to develop the disease,” Howell said.

“MMR vaccination is critical to preventing the spread of measles in the community, and anyone who is eligible and not yet vaccinated is encouraged to contact a trusted health care provider,” she said.