Measles has been considered eliminated in the U.S. since 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But as of this week, the U.S. has tipped the scales to over 1,000 measles cases. It’s all over the news, and the Minot AFB Facebook pages have been buzzing about what this means for families, especially as North Dakota just announced its 9th measles case of 2025. Some people are nervous to venture outside and into the community. Is the not-so-distant memory of the COVID pandemic scare starting to resurface?
The issue, it seems, stems from the growing number of people choosing not to vaccinate or choosing to delay the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine for their children. People may opt out for many reasons: religious beliefs, health issues, or mistrust in “Big Pharma.” While the choice is personal and can depend on an individual’s health status, there are consequences, intended or not, on both sides of the decision.
CNN reported that a school district in Williams County, North Dakota, where a few measles cases were discovered, recently issued a health statement to families of unvaccinated students:
“On Tuesday, families of 188 unvaccinated students in the Williston Basin School District No. 7 received a letter informing them that their children would need to quarantine for three weeks.”
The article also mentioned that the main source of the outbreak remains in West Texas and surrounding states, but the district is concerned about what an outbreak could mean for North Dakota. Read the Full CNN Article: https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/09/health/measles-outbreak-north-dakota
According to the CDC, measles was a common illness in the U.S. long before 1912, but that year marked the beginning of official case tracking. During the first decade of recorded data, about 6,000 people died annually due to measles. However, by the 1950s, with medical advancements, that number dropped to around 400–500 deaths per year, though an estimated 3–4 million people were still being infected annually. Of those, 48,000 were hospitalized, and 1,000 developed encephalitis (swelling of the brain). So by the time the measles vaccine was introduced in 1963, less than 1% of those infected died from the disease, but it was still widespread and serious.
On May 8, 2025, the 5th Medical Group at Minot AFB released a statement about the current measles outbreak: “We understand this news may be concerning, especially for families with young children. Please know we’re here to support you with information, care, and guidance.”
The statement also listed symptoms to watch for: High fever, Cough, Runny nose, Red, watery eyes, Rash (usually begins on the face and spreads). They also provided instructions on how to seek medical help and check if your vaccines are current.
According to the Mayo Clinic, people who are fully vaccinated against measles still have a small chance, about 3%, of contracting the illness. “It’s rare, but some people may get measles after being fully vaccinated. In this small number of people, the symptoms tend to be mild.” https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/measles/expert-answers/getting-measles-after-vaccination/faq-20125397
Measles has been around for centuries, and while it was nearly wiped out in the U.S., it appears to be lingering. Talk to your medical provider, stay informed, and make the best choices you can for your family’s health and safety.
*This article is not attempting to provide proof for either side of pro- or anti-vaccination. It’s a choice that Americans are allowed to make, and each person should choose what’s best for them, their medical history, and lifestyle. Additionally, this article does not attempt to serve as a medical consultation. Please always discuss your medical choices and options with your licensed medical provider.
