Vaccinated North Dakota Teen With Autoimmune Disorder Faces Severe Measles Complications

Family updates said her condition worsened rapidly in mid-February, eventually requiring emergency treatment and a helicopter transfer to a hospital in Minneapolis.

Kelly McBride Ni

Published: 3/13/2026, 11:47:17 PM EDT

Vaccinated North Dakota Teen With Autoimmune Disorder Faces Severe Measles Complications — A nurse administers a measles vaccine in Provo, Utah, on April 29, 2019. (George Frey/Getty Images)

A North Dakota teen with a weakened immune system is recovering at home after a life-threatening bout of measles and pneumonia, as cases surge nationwide.

Makayla Skjerva, 14, of the city of Cavalier, was hospitalized in February after contracting measles and developing severe complications, according to family updates on a fundraising page created to help cover medical and travel costs for the family.

North Dakota health officials said potential measles exposure sites included the gym at Cavalier Public School.

Makayla had received the measles vaccine, but her compromised immune system left her at higher risk for infection and severe complications, her stepmother, Ashley Skjerva, told ABC News on March 13.

According to family updates, Makayla’s condition rapidly deteriorated in mid-February, eventually requiring emergency treatment and a helicopter transfer to a hospital in Minneapolis.

“Makayla is on her way to Minneapolis via helicopter! We are forever grateful for the prayers and donations!” organizer Zoey Skjerva wrote. Later, another post said, “Makayla made it safely to Minneapolis! She is looking good right now, but definitely not out of the woods yet.”

Family members said the teen was battling measles and pneumonia and later tested positive for COVID-19 while hospitalized.

“Makayla, my sister, is currently in the hospital battling both measles and pneumonia,” Zoey Skjerva wrote in the fundraiser description. “Because she has no immune system, her situation is much more severe than it would be for most people.”

After weeks of treatment, Makayla was released from the hospital and is continuing her recovery at home, according to a recent social media update from her stepmother.

The family said the teen remains weak and faces significant medical restrictions while her immune system recovers. They asked for privacy as she continues what they described as a slow recovery process.

Risk of Severe Complications

Health officials say measles can cause severe complications, especially among children and people with weakened immune systems.

The virus can lead to pneumonia, brain swelling known as encephalitis, and death in some cases. About 20 percent of reported measles cases nationwide require hospitalization, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Makayla’s case comes as measles infections rise nationwide. The disease is among the most contagious viruses and spreads through airborne droplets.

More than 1,100 measles cases were reported in the United States in the first two months of 2026, far above typical yearly totals, according to the Infectious Disease Advisor website.

The CDC recommends two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine, which provides protection against the virus for most people.

But people with severe immune disorders may not develop full immunity and depend on high community vaccination rates to reduce risk.

Makayla’s family said donations have helped cover travel, food, and other expenses while they stayed near the hospital during her treatment.

“Watching her go through this has been incredibly hard for our family,” the fundraiser said. “We are doing everything we can to support her as she fights to recover.”