Locator: 48692ND.
Locator: 48692MEASLES.
Another first for North Dakota. Thank you Mr RFK, Jr, helping to put North Dakota on the map again.
Hard to believe this is the 21st century.
The vaccinia virus, known for its use as the smallpox vaccine, was discovered in 1796 by Edward Jenner, almost 230 years ago not long after the Revolutionary War.
Further details:
In 2024, North Dakota reported fewer than 10 measles cases, as the total number of cases in the United States that year was 285, with North Dakota not among the states with significant outbreaks.
However, in 2025, the situation escalated significantly.
As of early June 2025, North Dakota had reported 34 confirmed measles cases, marking the state’s highest measles incidence rate in the nation at 4.3 cases per 100,000 residents.
The outbreak primarily affected unvaccinated individuals, with 26 of the 34 cases occurring in children aged 5 to 19, and none of those infected had received the measles vaccine.
The majority of cases were concentrated in four counties: Williams County (16 cases), Grand Forks County (10), Cass County (7), and Burke County (1).
This surge in cases has been attributed to declining vaccination rates in the state, with Williams County’s measles vaccination rate falling to 83.5% in 2024, well below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity.
Apparently the nationwide measles vaccination rate is currently running about 91%.
Most notably, none of the counties with large native American populations were listed above.
The measles epidemic in Texas appears to be burning itself out. Link here.
