Measles cases in Minnesota: breakdown
The Minnesota Department of Health reported no new cases of measles this week but is urging parents to make sure their children's vaccinations are up to date before school starts in September.
Summary A recent outbreak has resulted in 30 reported cases of measles in Minnesota. Approximately one in three cases required hospitalization. The outbreak has primarily affected unvaccinated children in the Somali community.
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – As measles cases continue to rise, the Minnesota Department of Health is urging parents to get their children vaccinated.
Measles epidemic
Health officials announced Wednesday that 30 measles cases have been reported in Minnesota as part of this outbreak. Cases were initially reported in May and June but began to increase in late July. In addition to one adult, a child between the ages of 7 months and 10 years old has been reported to have fallen ill. About one in three of those cases required hospitalization, according to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).
Unvaccinated children are more at risk, and MDH officials say the outbreak is primarily affecting unvaccinated children in the Somali community.
“Some families may be concerned that the MMR vaccine has some connection to autism, but this is a myth. Unfortunately, measles vaccination rates have dropped significantly in the Somali community over the past 10 to 15 years, yet the number of autism cases has not decreased, clearly demonstrating there is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism,” Dr. Abdul Abdi, a pediatrician at Minnesota Children's Hospital, explained in a statement.
Health officials say with the new school year starting soon and several events planned in the Twin Cities, people attending large gatherings should get vaccinated or stay home if they haven't been vaccinated and have had measles before.
How can measles be identified?
Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease that spreads easily through coughing and sneezing, and the MDH explained that once an infected person leaves the room, the virus can remain in the air for up to two hours.
“Measles is currently widespread and infection can cause severe illness,” said Dr. Ruth Linfield, MDH state epidemiologist and medical director. “We know vaccination is the best prevention, so we urge all parents to get their children vaccinated.”
Measles symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes, followed by a rash that starts on the head and spreads to other parts of the body. It usually takes 8 to 12 days after initial infection for symptoms to appear.
If your child is experiencing symptoms, MDH recommends calling your health care provider rather than going to the clinic to prevent the spread of the highly contagious virus.
The big picture
The 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, but four in 2023.
More than 180 cases have been reported in 2024, a significant increase from the 58 cases reported nationwide in 2023. Of the cases this year, 85% are “unvaccinated or unknown,” and only 5% have received both doses of the vaccine.
What can you do to protect your children?
The best way to protect your children and yourself from measles is through vaccination.
Children can be vaccinated at their regular clinic or, if they don't have health insurance, can get vaccinated through their local health department.
Children should receive two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine between the ages of 12 and 15 months, and again between the ages of 4 and 6. You can check your own and your child's vaccination status online .
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Press release from the Minnesota Department of Health.
