Measles cases in Minnesota: The details
The Minnesota Department of Health reported no new cases of measles this week but urged parents to make sure their children are up-to-date on vaccinations before school starts in September.
Minneapolis (FOX 9) – As measles cases continue to rise, the Minnesota Department of Health is urging parents to vaccinate their children.
Measles outbreak
Thirty cases of measles have been reported in Minnesota as part of the outbreak, health officials said Wednesday. Cases were initially reported in May and June but began to increase in late July. In addition to one adult, children aged 7 months to 10 years have also reported illness. About a third of them required hospitalization, according to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).
Unvaccinated children are at greater risk, and MDH officials said the outbreak is primarily affecting unvaccinated children in Somali communities.
“Some families seem to be concerned that the MMR vaccine is somehow linked to autism, but this is a misconception,” Dr. Abdul Abdi, a pediatrician at Children’s Minnesota, explained in a statement. “Sadly, over the past 10-15 years, measles vaccination rates have dropped significantly in our Somali community, but the number of autism cases has not. This clearly shows that there is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism.”
With schools set to start soon and several events on the horizon in the Twin Cities area, people attending large gatherings should get vaccinated or stay home if they are unvaccinated and have been exposed to measles, health officials said.
How to identify measles?
Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease that is easily spread through coughs and sneezes. The Ministry of Health explained that once an infected person leaves the room, the virus can remain in the air for up to two hours.
“Measles is currently circulating and infection can be serious,” said Dr. Ruth Linfield, state epidemiologist and medical director of the Missouri State Department of Health. “I urge all parents to make sure their children are vaccinated because we know vaccination is the best protection.”
Symptoms of measles include a high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes, followed by a rash that spreads from the head to the rest of the body. It usually takes 8 to 12 days for symptoms to appear after initial exposure.
If your child is experiencing symptoms, MDH recommends calling your healthcare provider instead of visiting a clinic to help prevent the spread of this highly contagious virus.
The bigger picture
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in late July that there have been 13 outbreaks in the United States so far this year, and a total of four outbreaks in 2023.
More than 180 cases have been reported in 2024, a significant increase from the 58 cases reported nationwide in 2023. Of those infected this year, 85% were “unvaccinated or their status was unknown,” while only 5% had received both vaccines.
What can you do to protect your children?
The best way to protect children and yourself from measles is to get vaccinated.
Children can get vaccinated at their regular clinics, or through their local public health department for children without health insurance.
Children should get two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine between ages 12 and 15 months, and again between ages 4 and 6. You can check your and your child’s vaccination status online.