Latest news with #MollyHowell
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Confirmed measles cases in North Dakota rises to 19
Blood sample positive with measles virus. (iStock / Getty Images Plus) Confirmed cases of measles in North Dakota increased to 19 this week after the Department of Health and Human Services reported additional exposures occurred on a flight to Williston. Molly Howell, immunization director for HHS, said she is 'cautiously optimistic' about the slow spread of the disease in the state that was first confirmed May 2. But she reiterated that it takes two full incubation periods, or 42 days, without any new cases to declare an outbreak over. 'We're definitely a long ways from that,' Howell said. Thirteen cases of measles involve people in Williams County and six confirmed cases were reported in Cass County, including one person who was hospitalized. All of the cases involve people who were unvaccinated. Fifteen of the people are under age 19, including one child under age 5, according to the department. The latest exposure occurred on a May 14 United Airlines flight from Denver to Williston. Anyone who entered the Williston Basin International Airport between 10:22 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. that day should consider themselves exposed to the virus, according to the department's website. The state health department recommends any unvaccinated people, those without at least one dose of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, exposed at the airport should quarantine themselves for 21 days to see if symptoms develop to prevent exposure to the community. Nonpartisan poll finds 'remarkably low' trust in federal health agencies Howell said state health officials were able to get the flight manifest from the affected plane and all North Dakotans on the flight were notified about their exposure to the illness. Anyone showing symptoms should contact a health care provider before walking into a medical clinic to receive instructions on how to present themselves for testing, Howell said. Measles symptoms can develop up to 21 days after exposure. The symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, eye irritation and a body-wide rash. The measles virus is spread through the air and people remain contagious for several days before and after the first symptoms appear, the department said previously. Other North Dakota exposure sites include: Tractor Supply Williston on May 12. Band Day Parade Williston in Harmon Park, Main Street and 11th Street on May 10. Essentia Health Walk-in Care Clinic on 52nd Avenue in Fargo on May 9. Essentia Health – The Lights West Fargo Clinic on May 7. Missouri Ridge Elementary School from April 29 to May 2. Howell said over the next few days the quarantine period for Williston schools will expire. 'Hopefully, we won't have any children positive from the school setting,' she said. 'From what I'm hearing from local public health, people have been coming in to be vaccinated … which is great to hear.' As of May 22, the CDC reported 1,046 measles cases have been confirmed nationwide across 30 states. About 67% of those cases involved people under age 19 and 97% of the confirmed cases involved people who were unvaccinated or had an 'unknown' vaccination status. 'We don't want there to be any more cases, so we just really want to encourage people to revisit vaccination with a trusted health care provider,' Howell said. An updated list of measles exposure sites can be found on the HHS website. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
2 new measles cases confirmed in Cass County; 1 hospitalized
A nurse gives an MMR vaccine at the Utah County Health Department on April 29, 2019, in Provo, Utah. The vaccine is 97% effective against measles when two doses are administered. (Photo by) Two new measles cases were confirmed in Cass County on Sunday, bringing North Dakota's total cases to 11 since May 2, according to the state Department of Health and Human Services. The department reported both people were unvaccinated and one was hospitalized as a result of the disease. Both people are believed to have contracted measles from international travel. Two Essentia Health clinics in the Fargo area were exposed to the disease and public health officials said unvaccinated individuals present at those facilities should quarantine themselves for 21 days to monitor for symptoms. The two clinics exposed were: Essentia Health – The Lights West Fargo Clinic from 2:30 to 6 p.m., May 7. The entrance to the clinic is shared with Bar Down Sports Bar and Restaurant. Essentia Health Walk-in Care Clinic from 5:30 to 8 p.m., May 9. Some schools cancel band trip to Williston because of measles cases; parade to go on Last week, public health officials reported three schools in Williston were exposed to measles that resulted in about 150 unvaccinated students isolating at home to monitor for symptoms. Nine measles cases have been confirmed in Williams County since May 2. The health department recommends children between 12-15 months old should receive their first dose of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine and a second dose between 4-6 years of age. 'People who are vaccinated and exposed to measles are not likely to develop the disease,' said Molly Howell, immunization director for HHS. 'MMR vaccination is critical to preventing the spread of measles in the community. Anyone who is eligible and has not yet been vaccinated is encouraged to contact a trusted health care provider about MMR vaccination.' Howell said the MMR vaccine is 93% effective after one dose and 97% effective after a second dose. Adults born before 1957 are generally presumed immune due to natural exposure, the department said. Immunization records for North Dakota residents can be reviewed through the HHS website or by contacting a health care provider. Measles symptoms can develop up to 21 days after exposure. The symptoms are: Fever Cough Runny nose Eye irritation Body-wide rash The measles virus is spread through the air and people remain contagious for several days before and after the first symptoms appear, the department said. They added there is no specific medical treatment for measles, but antibiotics may be used in cases resulting in a secondary bacterial infection. The risk of measles to the general public is low due to a majority of North Dakotans being immunized against the disease. Vaccines are available through most clinics. For families in need, the federally funded Vaccines for Children Program offers support through local providers. For information about measles, vaccination, or local clinic availability, contact the HHS Immunization Unit at 701-328-2378 or 711 (TTY), or visit For more information about measles or immunizations, contact the HHS Immunization Unit at 701-328-2378, 711 (TTY) or visit: SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Midwestern state reports first measles case since 2011
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways North Dakota has reported its first case of measles in over a decade. This case — the state's first since 2011 — involves an unvaccinated child, who, according to North Dakota Health and Human Services, may have contracted the virus from an out-of-state visitor. The infected person is currently isolating at home to avoid spreading measles to others, according to the press release. 'I'm A Doctor: Here Are 11 Things You Should Know About Measles' "HHS is contacting those who may have been exposed and advising unvaccinated individuals [on] how long to quarantine," reads the statement. "Because the majority of North Dakotans are vaccinated, the risk to the general public is low." North Dakota has reported its first case of measles in over a decade, involving an unvaccinated child. "Anyone with symptoms consistent with measles should call ahead before visiting a clinic to avoid exposing others," said Molly Howell, HHS immunization director, in a statement. Read On The Fox News App "Vaccination remains the most effective defense against measles. Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccination is safer than risking measles illness." Measles cases continue to spread throughout the U.S., with 12 states reporting official outbreaks, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There are a total of 935 confirmed measles cases in 30 U.S. jurisdictions, per the same source. Measles Scare At Major Airport: What To Know About Potential Exposure Fox News' senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel previously told Fox News Digital that measles is highly contagious. "There is a 90% chance you will get it if you are unvaccinated and step into a room where someone with measles was two hours before," he cautioned. There are a total of 935 confirmed measles cases in 30 U.S. jurisdictions, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Siegel has suggested that high exemption rates for childhood vaccines, which are now under 85% compliance, are to blame for the spread. For more Health articles, visit Many cases in the current U.S. outbreak have occurred in unvaccinated individuals, mostly school-aged children. Another State Confirms Measles Case With Infected Child Its First Of Year Children under the age of 5 are most vulnerable to measles, health experts confirm. The CDC recommends that children receive two doses of the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 to 15 months of age, and a second dose at 4 through 6 years of age. The CDC recommends that children receive two doses of the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 to 15 months of age, and a second dose at 4 through 6 years of age. Allison Croucher, a pediatrician and doctor of osteopathic medicine with Duly Health and Care in Illinois, previously spoke to Fox News Digital about the most frequent questions she receives from parents. Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter "If your infant is too young for the vaccine, it's important to take extra precautions to limit their exposure to others who are or might be ill," she advised. "Don't be afraid to decline travel or gatherings — you have every right to protect your child's health." Croucher recommends that parents contact a doctor right away if they think their child may have measles. Original article source: Midwestern state reports first measles case since 2011
Fox News
06-05-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Midwestern state reports first measles case since 2011
North Dakota has reported its first case of measles in over a decade. This case — the state's first since 2011 — involves an unvaccinated child, who, according to North Dakota Health and Human Services, may have contracted the virus from an out-of-state visitor. The infected person is currently isolating at home to avoid spreading measles to others, according to the press release. 'I'M A DOCTOR: HERE ARE 11 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT MEASLES' "HHS is contacting those who may have been exposed and advising unvaccinated individuals [on] how long to quarantine," reads the statement. "Because the majority of North Dakotans are vaccinated, the risk to the general public is low." "Anyone with symptoms consistent with measles should call ahead before visiting a clinic to avoid exposing others," said Molly Howell, HHS immunization director, in a statement. "Vaccination remains the most effective defense against measles. Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccination is safer than risking measles illness." "Because the majority of North Dakotans are vaccinated, the risk to the general public is low." Measles cases continue to spread throughout the U.S., with 12 states reporting official outbreaks, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There are a total of 935 confirmed measles cases in 30 U.S. jurisdictions, per the same source. MEASLES SCARE AT MAJOR AIRPORT: WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT POTENTIAL EXPOSURE Fox News' senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel previously told Fox News Digital that measles is highly contagious. "There is a 90% chance you will get it if you are unvaccinated and step into a room where someone with measles was two hours before," he cautioned. Siegel has suggested that high exemption rates for childhood vaccines, which are now under 85% compliance, are to blame for the spread. For more Health articles, visit Many cases in the current U.S. outbreak have occurred in unvaccinated individuals, mostly school-aged children. ANOTHER STATE CONFIRMS MEASLES CASE WITH INFECTED CHILD ITS FIRST OF YEAR Children under the age of 5 are most vulnerable to measles, health experts confirm. The CDC recommends that children receive two doses of the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 to 15 months of age, and a second dose at 4 through 6 years of age. Allison Croucher, a pediatrician and doctor of osteopathic medicine with Duly Health and Care in Illinois, previously spoke to Fox News Digital about the most frequent questions she receives from parents. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER "If your infant is too young for the vaccine, it's important to take extra precautions to limit their exposure to others who are or might be ill," she advised. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP "Don't be afraid to decline travel or gatherings — you have every right to protect your child's health." Croucher recommends that parents contact a doctor right away if they think their child may have measles.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
North Dakota confirms 3 new measles cases, bringing total to 4
Vials of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine are displayed on a counter at a Walgreens Pharmacy on Jan. 26, 2015. (Photo by Illustration) North Dakota now has four confirmed measles cases, the Department of Health and Human Services said Monday. All four cases are in Williams County in northwest North Dakota involving people who were not vaccinated, said Molly Howell, immunization director for the department. The department announced Friday the first confirmed case, a Williams County child who is believed to have contracted measles from an out-of-state visitor. The three additional cases are people who had contact with the child, Howell said. The cases are the first reemergence of measles in North Dakota since 2011, Howell said. A North Dakotan tested positive for measles in 2018, but after additional testing, the department confirmed that person did not have the illness, Howell said. 'Our advice to anyone in North Dakota is to be up to date with your immunizations, especially the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine,' Howell said. 'Everyone starting at 12 to 15 months of age should receive their first dose of MMR vaccine and the second dose is recommended at 4 to 6 years of age.' As of May 1, 935 people have contracted measles across the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of those cases, 68% are people age 19 and younger. The federal health organization also said 121 people have been hospitalized and three deaths have resulted from the disease this year. Poll: Belief in false measles claims correlated with lower vaccination rates Howell said infant vaccination rates in North Dakota are at about 81% and school-aged children have about a 90% rate, but those rates differ depending on location. She added there are no immediate plans to roll out mobile vaccination clinics because the vaccines are readily available at local health care providers. 'It's more concerning in areas where there are lower vaccination rates, so ideally, we're hoping parents have a conversation with their trusted health care provider,' she said. With measles being a highly contagious illness, Howell said a 95% vaccination rate is recommended to contain the spread of the disease locally. Howell said North Dakota public health agencies did lose some COVID-19 pandemic-related funding from the federal government in recent weeks, but she doesn't believe the cuts will affect the state's ability to respond to the measles cases. 'We'll continue to ensure that North Dakotans across the state have access to MMR vaccines, and other vaccines,' she said. Howell said people should not downplay the seriousness of measles, but she did not want people to panic either. 'What we want is for people to be informed of the benefits of vaccination versus the risks of the disease,' she said. 'We used to have 5,000 to 6,000 cases per year before the vaccine was available, but people died and were hospitalized. And now we have a way to prevent it and there's no reason for anyone to have to deal with this terrible disease.' Howell said the department will continue to update its measles-dedicated website as more information becomes available. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
