Williams County, North Dakota, has confirmed its first case of measles in 2026, state health officials reported Thursday.
The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the case, marking the first instance of the highly contagious virus detected within the state this year. Details regarding the patient’s age, vaccination status, or recent travel history were not immediately released.
The announcement comes as the HHS is also managing a $199 million Rural Health Transformation Program, the first year of funding for which has been received. The program aims to improve health outcomes in rural areas of the state, according to the department.
HHS is currently urging North Dakotans to ensure their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid enrollments are up to date, citing upcoming changes to those programs. The department also provides a directory of mental health services across the state.
The North Dakota HHS is located in Bismarck, with a primary address at 600 E Boulevard Ave Dept 301, Bismarck, ND 58505-0602. The department’s UEI is U4BCQ8P144P6.
First District Health Unit offices in Bottineau and Bowbells are also providing public health services, with locations at 314 5th St W Suite 7, Bottineau, ND 58318 and 103 Main St SW, Bowbells, ND 58721, respectively. The department’s website directs individuals to resources regarding diseases, immunizations, and emergency preparedness.
