Walsh County (trfnews.i234.me) — North Dakota health leaders confirmed four new measles cases on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026.
The update raised the state total to 11 cases for 2026.
First case reported in Walsh County
State officials confirmed one case in Walsh County, the first reported there this year.
The patient recently traveled to Pembina County, where other cases were found.
Three more cases were confirmed in Pembina County on Friday.
Public exposure sites are posted online
Health officials said infected people visited public places while contagious.
Anyone there during listed times may have been exposed.
The state posted a full list of dates and locations at hhs.nd.gov/measles.
For national guidance, see the CDC measles page at cdc.gov/measles.
Symptoms to watch for
Officials urge exposed people to watch for early signs.
- Fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red eyes
- Rash
If symptoms appear, call a clinic before you go in.
That helps limit exposure to other patients and staff.
Quarantine advice for unvaccinated people
Unvaccinated people who were exposed should stay home for 21 days.
The 21 days start after the last known exposure time.
Health officials may also advise a vaccine dose after exposure.
Why measles spreads fast
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person breathes or coughs.
The virus can stay in the air for up to two hours.
It can spread even after the person leaves the room.
People can spread measles for days before symptoms start.
They can also spread it after the rash appears.
Vaccines and community protection
Unvaccinated people face the highest risk of infection.
Experts say communities need over 95% vaccine coverage to slow the spread.
One dose of the MMR vaccine gives about 94% protection.
Two doses raise protection to about 97%.
Learn more about the MMR vaccine at cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/mmr.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
