Four More Measles Cases Reported In North Dakota and Sanford Doctor Says To Expect More

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — It’s been nearly two weeks since measles cases were reported at the West Fargo and Fargo Essentia clinics. As of Thursday, two more cases have been reported in Cass County.

“Once you have a few cases of measles, you always expect more because this is one of the most infectious diseases known to us. For every person who gets infected with measles will have 15 to 20 cases. Now this is when we have an unimmunized population, but as you know, most people are immunized; there are pockets of people who are not immunized,” said Dr. Avish Nagpal, Infectious Disease Physician and Medical Director for Infection Prevention at Sanford Health.

Since the start of 2025, seventeen cases in total have been reported throughout the state. And Dr. Nagpal believes due to the low numbers of people receiving vaccinations, the numbers will continue to grow.

“We do anticipate that this will become a more regular feature. Measles is here to stay for the next few weeks, months. I can’t tell you how long we will continue to see measles case, but I can tell you they’re not stopping any time soon,” said Dr. Nagpal.

North Dakota Health and Human Services reported the new cases on their social media and stated that the two new cases reported in Cass County are not linked to the previous cases. But they want people to stay up to date on the new data being released.

“Check your vaccination records, talk to your doctor, contact your doctor’s office, see if you need to be brought up to date. The vaccine is very safe and effective. And even one dose of vaccine will give you 93 percent protection, with two doses of vaccine giving you 97 percent protection,” said Dr. Nagpal.

If you were born before 1957, you are considered immune to measles.

For all others, the best way to prevent measles is to receive one MMR vaccine.