Confirmed measles cases in North Dakota rises to 19
Blood sample positive with measles virus. (iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Confirmed cases of measles in North Dakota increased to 19 this week after the Department of Health and Human Services reported additional exposures occurred on a flight to Williston.
Molly Howell, immunization director for HHS, said she is 'cautiously optimistic' about the slow spread of the disease in the state that was first confirmed May 2. But she reiterated that it takes two full incubation periods, or 42 days, without any new cases to declare an outbreak over.
'We're definitely a long ways from that,' Howell said.
Thirteen cases of measles involve people in Williams County and six confirmed cases were reported in Cass County, including one person who was hospitalized. All of the cases involve people who were unvaccinated. Fifteen of the people are under age 19, including one child under age 5, according to the department.
The latest exposure occurred on a May 14 United Airlines flight from Denver to Williston. Anyone who entered the Williston Basin International Airport between 10:22 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. that day should consider themselves exposed to the virus, according to the department's website.
The state health department recommends any unvaccinated people, those without at least one dose of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, exposed at the airport should quarantine themselves for 21 days to see if symptoms develop to prevent exposure to the community.
Nonpartisan poll finds 'remarkably low' trust in federal health agencies
Howell said state health officials were able to get the flight manifest from the affected plane and all North Dakotans on the flight were notified about their exposure to the illness.
Anyone showing symptoms should contact a health care provider before walking into a medical clinic to receive instructions on how to present themselves for testing, Howell said.
Measles symptoms can develop up to 21 days after exposure. The symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, eye irritation and a body-wide rash.
The measles virus is spread through the air and people remain contagious for several days before and after the first symptoms appear, the department said previously.
Other North Dakota exposure sites include:
Tractor Supply Williston on May 12.
Band Day Parade Williston in Harmon Park, Main Street and 11th Street on May 10.
Essentia Health Walk-in Care Clinic on 52nd Avenue in Fargo on May 9.
Essentia Health – The Lights West Fargo Clinic on May 7.
Missouri Ridge Elementary School from April 29 to May 2.
Howell said over the next few days the quarantine period for Williston schools will expire.
'Hopefully, we won't have any children positive from the school setting,' she said. 'From what I'm hearing from local public health, people have been coming in to be vaccinated … which is great to hear.'
As of May 22, the CDC reported 1,046 measles cases have been confirmed nationwide across 30 states. About 67% of those cases involved people under age 19 and 97% of the confirmed cases involved people who were unvaccinated or had an 'unknown' vaccination status.
'We don't want there to be any more cases, so we just really want to encourage people to revisit vaccination with a trusted health care provider,' Howell said.
An updated list of measles exposure sites can be found on the HHS website.
SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
14-06-2025
- Newsweek
Cancer Rates Rising in Americans Under 50—Three Age Groups Most at Risk
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A new study from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has found that the incidence of 14 different cancer types increased among people under the age of 50. Newsweek spoke with leading oncologists about new findings published in Cancer Discovery, which revealed that between 2010 and 2019, more than two million cancer cases were diagnosed in people aged 15 to 49 in the United States. Several cancers are becoming more common in young adults, including testicular cancer, melanoma, and cervical cancer. Blood-related cancers like B-cell lymphomas and plasma cell neoplasms are also on the rise, along with rare types such as bone and joint cancers, stomach cancer and skin lymphomas. An artist's impression of a group of people of different generations and, inset, a tumor. An artist's impression of a group of people of different generations and, inset, a tumor. CIPhotos / matsu5/iStock / Getty Images Plus Dr. Steven Grossman, a clinician and researcher with expertise in gastrointestinal cancers, told Newsweek: "What is most concerning about the rise of cancers typical of older adults in younger populations is that the symptoms might be ignored until the cancer presents at a later stage, where it is more difficult to treat and cure. "This is especially worrisome for colorectal cancer and pancreatic cancer, which are particularly difficult to treat if they are discovered at a more advanced stage." Cancers Typically Linked to Older Adults The study, released on May 8, found the most significant upticks were observed in cancers such as female breast, colorectal, kidney, uterine, and pancreatic—many of which are commonly associated with older adults but are now appearing more frequently in patients in their 20s, 30s and 40s. While the overall cancer death rate in younger adults has not risen in tandem, troubling increases in colorectal and uterine cancer deaths have been reported. Some cancers like melanoma, cervical, stomach, myeloma, and bone and joint cancers showed increases only in younger populations. "We don't know yet the root cause of the increasing incidence of cancer in younger adults but science points to what we would call environmental factors," said Grossman, the executive medical director of the Hoag Family Cancer Institute in Southern California. A stock image of a female patient with headscarf listening to her doctor commenting x-ray of brain while sitting on bed next to her in hospital ward. A stock image of a female patient with headscarf listening to her doctor commenting x-ray of brain while sitting on bed next to her in hospital ward. shironosov/iStock / Getty Images Plus Gender Disparities in Early-Onset Cancers The study found that 63.4 percent of early-onset cancers occurred in women. Among women, the most common types were breast, thyroid, and melanoma, while among men, the leading early-onset cancers were colorectal, testicular, and melanoma. Pashtoon Kasi, a gastrointestinal cancer specialist, told Newsweek that medics previously believed the two major factors for cancer risk were aging and a genetic predisposition. However, they are now increasingly focused on the role of lifestyle and environmental factors. The American Cancer Society (ACS) states that around 5 to 10 percent of cancers are caused by inherited genetic mutations—not the cancer itself, but an abnormal gene passed down from a parent that increases cancer risk. This includes lifestyle factors such as a lack of exercise, obesity, alcohol use, and other elements of the diet. Grossman added: "The scientific community also generally believes that exposure to environmental carcinogens, which could include air or water pollution, likely contributes at some level to this phenomenon. That research, however, is still ongoing." Lifestyle Factors and Cancer Risk The ACS states that at least 18 percent of all cancers and around 16 percent of cancer-related deaths are linked to excess body weight, lack of physical activity, alcohol use and poor diet. Many of these cases may be preventable by following a well-balanced diet consisting of plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while limiting or eliminating red and processed meats, which are classified as carcinogens. The study found that obesity is linked to seven types of cancer that are rising among younger adults: colorectal, kidney, uterine, pancreatic, stomach (cardia), cervical cancers and myeloma (a type of blood cancer). In 2019, it was estimated that obesity contributed to as few as 5.3 percent of colorectal cancer cases and as many as 53.1 percent of uterine cancer cases. A stock image of a nutritionist measuring overweight man's waist with tape in clinic. A stock image of a nutritionist measuring overweight man's waist with tape in clinic. unomat/iStock / Getty Images Plus "The obesity piece does not explain the full story since a lot of our young onset patients are very active and healthy otherwise," said Kasi, the Medical Director of GI Medical Oncology at City of Hope Orange County. Being physically fit and getting 150–300 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75–150 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity each week may decrease the chances of cancer and other health problems, along with maintaining a healthy weight. Kasi added: "We're still learning about the impact of all these factors – genetics, environment, aging, and lifestyle. One thing that is certain is that our knowledge of cancer development is evolving in the 21st century. "Particularly, how these environmental factors and diet affect the 'microbiome' of our body and how those interplays in the development of these cancers is of interest. Expanding cancer research efforts focused on younger individuals is a critical factor." Mortality Rates and Screening Concerns Cancer death rates have not significantly increased and have generally declined. From 2010 to 2020, deaths among 15–29-year-olds fell by nearly 2 percent per year, then remained stable. Rates also dropped for 30–39 and 40–49 age groups, with declines continuing until around 2018–2022, when they leveled off. This suggests better detection and treatment are saving more lives. Dr. Amy Laughlin, a medical oncologist at the Orlando Health Cancer Institute who specializes in breast cancer and cancer genetics, explained why screening age hasn't been reduced. She said: "If a group has a small chance of cancer, then when a screening test is positive, the greatest likelihood is that it is a false positive—causing anxiety, biopsies, more tests and cost for no reason. "For example, in an older, higher-risk population you may need to do 100 breast biopsies to find one breast cancer, but in a younger, lower-risk population you may have to do 400 breast biopsies to find one cancer. Imagine the cost and anxiety we put those 399 women through." Do you have a tip on a health story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about cancer? Let us know via health@ Reference Shiels, M. S., Haque, A. T., Berrington de González, A., Camargo, M. C., Clarke, M. A., Davis Lynn, B. C., Engels, E. A., Freedman, N. D., Gierach, G. L., Hofmann, J. N., Jones, R. R., Loftfield, E., Sinha, R., Morton, L. M., & Chanock, S. J. (2025). Trends in Cancer Incidence and Mortality Rates in Early-Onset and Older-Onset Age Groups in the United States, 2010–2019. Cancer Discovery.
Newsweek
12-06-2025
- Newsweek
Overlooked Bat Viruses May Be 'Small Step' From Causing Next Pandemic
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. An overlooked subgroup of bat viruses may be just one minor mutation away from being able to infect humans and potentially set off the next pandemic. This is the warning of a team of U.S.-based researchers who have been studying "merbecoviruses," a coronavirus subgenus that also includes the deadly Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) virus. Investigating how these merbecoviruses operate, the scientists found that while most likely pose no direct threat, the "HKU5" subgroup, which can be found across Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East, do possess traits that raise concerns. "Merbecoviruses—and HKU5 viruses in particular—really hadn't been looked at much, but our study shows how these viruses infect cells," said paper author and virologist Michael Letko of the Washington State University in a statement. "What we also found is HKU5 viruses may be only a small step away from being able to spill over into humans." Stock image of a Japanese house bat, Pipistrellus abramus, mid-flight Stock image of a Japanese house bat, Pipistrellus abramus, mid-flight Russell Jenkins/iStock / Getty Images Plus Even though thousands of viruses that infect wild animals have had their genomes sequences over the last couple of decades, it is typical that we have little information on the potential risk these agents pose to humans. And little attention has been given to date to the merbecoviruses, with the notable exception of MERS-CoV. First detected in 2012, this zoonotic coronavirus—which can be transmitted to us from dromedary camels—causes severe respiratory disease in humans and has a mortality rate of around 34 percent. Like SARS-CoV-2 (the virus behind COVID-19), merbecoviruses attack host cells by binding to them using a so-called spike protein. In their study, Letko and colleagues conducted experiments involving virus-like particles that sported only the binding part of the spike, allowing them to study the ability of merbecoviruses to infect human cells. Although the team found that most merbecoviruses are unlikely to have the capacity to infect humans, the HKU5 subgroup can; in fact, its members latch onto the ACE2 receptor on target cells just like SARS-CoV-2 does. At present, HKU5 viruses are only able to adequately exploit the ACE2 receptor in bats—and are far less proficient at latching onto those found on human cells. However, when the researchers analyzed HKU5 viruses from Asia (where their natural host is the Japanese house bat, Pipistrellus abramus), the researchers identified mutations that might allow the viruses to bind to the ACE2 receptors in other species, including humans. In fact, a study published in 2024 found a HKU5 virus that had spilled over into mink. "These viruses are so closely related to MERS, so we have to be concerned if they ever infect humans," explained Letko. "While there's no evidence they've crossed into people yet, the potential is there—and that makes them worth watching." Do you have a tip on a science story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about exoplanets? Let us know via science@ References Catanzaro, N. J., Wu, Z., Fan, C., Jefferson, V., Abdelgadir, A., Schäfer, A., Yount, B. L., Bjorkman, P. J., Baric, R., & Letko, M. (2025). ACE2 from Pipistrellus abramus bats is a receptor for HKU5 coronaviruses. Nature Communications, 16(1), 4932. Zhao, J., Wan, W., Yu, K., Lemey, P., Pettersson, J. H.-O., Bi, Y., Lu, M., Li, X., Chen, Z., Zheng, M., Yan, G., Dai, J., Li, Y., Haerheng, A., He, N., Tu, C., Suchard, M. A., Holmes, E. C., He, W.-T., & Su, S. (2024). Farmed fur animals harbour viruses with zoonotic spillover potential. Nature, 634(8032), 228–233.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Yahoo
School's out, but child care providers not letting up on measles precautions
Jun. 7—FARGO — With a measles outbreak in North Dakota continuing to grow, local schools may be off the hook after letting out for summer vacation. Other organizations, though, must be vigilant, and there's still plenty of opportunity for the virus to spread among unvaccinated children, health experts said. North Dakota had the highest rate of measles based on population of all states as of June 3, according to data compiled by the North Dakota Public Health Association. The state had 4.3 cases per 100,000 residents, or a total of 34 cases thus far in the outbreak. Dr. Stephanie Grondahl, a pediatric hospitalist at Essentia Health, said given poor vaccination rates in North Dakota, it's probably not if, but when more cases emerge. "Kids are going to go places for the summer and there are going to be exposures, and with how contagious it is, it will spread," she said. The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Red River Valley provides child care to around 1,100 school age children at 16 licensed sites during the school year, CEO Robin Nelson said. Come summer time, about 600 children are served at nine sites. Just like schools, child care providers must keep immunization records on file for enrolled children, she said. Her organization has taken an extra step, she said, to compile lists of children who have received the measles, mumps and rubella or MMR vaccine and those who haven't due to medical, philosophical or religious reasons. The list is kept internally so the organization can be more prepared for various circumstances. "We have to control what we can on our end," Nelson said. She proactively sent an email to families a few weeks ago, spelling out the policy relating to children who have not received the MMR vaccine. If such a child has been exposed to measles, either on site or elsewhere, they are excluded from child care for 21 days, unless they get an MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure, Nelson said. Measles was a common childhood illness before the MMR vaccine was developed to prevent it. It's made a comeback, however, in certain areas where immunization rates are low. The virus is highly contagious, lingering in the air for several hours, and usually doesn't cause long-term medical issues. However, measles can be serious and even deadly, especially for children younger than age 5 and people whose immune systems are compromised. Dr. Avish Nagpal, director of infection prevention at Sanford, said he expects to continue to see smaller outbreaks of measles as the virus finds pockets of children who are not immunized. "We are still early in the outbreak. I do anticipate that we'll see more cases as a slow churn," Nagpal said. Grondahl said it's recommended that children get their first MMR dose after they turn 1, and a second dose between ages 4 and 6. Nagpal said it is possible for an infant to get their first dose between six and 12 months, but it won't count toward the normal vaccination schedule. He also recommends women of childbearing age receive the MMR vaccine because they cannot receive it once they become pregnant. For the very youngest children, Grondahl had this advice. "I think from a very personal standpoint, if I had a child who was unimmunized, I would probably try to keep them away from large crowds, especially in areas where we know that there are active outbreaks happening," she said.
