UMDHU urges vaccination amid measles outbreak: ‘We still have time to act’
M.K. French
Farmer Staff Writer
As measles cases surge across the nation, health officials at the Upper Missouri District Health Unit (UMDHU) are urging residents to ensure they are vaccinated against the highly contagious disease, emphasizing that “measles is very preventable.”
In a letter released by the UMDHU, Deputy Health Officer Dr. Beverly Tong provided an update on the national situation. “As of March 27, 2025, the CDC reports a total of 483 confirmed measles cases in 20 states with 2 deaths so far,” Dr. Tong wrote, highlighting the seriousness of the outbreak and the fact that “14 percent were hospitalized.” While the nearest cases are in Minnesota, the UMDHU is taking proactive measures to prevent local spread.
Dr. Tong’s message carries a strong note of reassurance: “The good news is that measles is very preventable.” She underscored the critical role of immunization, stating, “Of those people who have contracted measles, 97 percent were unimmunized.”
The MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine is the primary defense against measles. “Measles-mumps-rubella vaccination is recommended for all children in the United States starting at age 12-15 months,” Dr. Tong advised. While individuals born before 1957 are generally considered immune due to widespread exposure before routine vaccination, she noted that “people working in health care may need to receive MMR vaccine regardless of date of birth.”
However, the MMR vaccine is not suitable for everyone. “Measles-mumps-rubella vaccine should not be administered during pregnancy or to those who have a weakened immune system due to cancer treatment or use of medications that reduce the activity of the immune system,” Dr. Tong cautioned.
For those unsure of their immunity status, Dr. Tong offered guidance: “If you are not sure if you are immune to measles, your provider can order a simple blood test to check. Even adults who have been immunized as children may require a booster.”
The UMDHU is encouraging residents to seek information and take action. “If you have questions about immunizations, please contact the Upper Missouri District Health Unit or your provider for more information,” Dr. Tong urged. She also provided crucial information on symptoms and what to do in case of potential exposure: “If you have a known exposure to measles or symptoms (a red, blotchy rash that appears first on the face and behind the ears, then spreads to the chest and back and finally to the feet, tiny white spots with bluish-white centers on a red background found inside the mouth along with fever, dry cough, runny nose, sore throat, inflamed eye) please isolate and contact your healthcare provider.”
The letter concluded with a call to collective responsibility: “Together we can help keep our community safe.” For more information, residents can contact the Upper Missouri District Health Unit at 701-774-6400 or visit their website at www.umdhu.org.
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