Measles Confirmed In 3 Unvaccinated Kids In Twin Cities Metro

TWIN CITIES, MN — The Minnesota Department of Health confirmed three measles cases in unvaccinated children this week in Anoka, Hennepin, and Ramsey counties.

The cases are not directly linked to each other and travel was not involved, "so there is concern for possible spread of measles in the community," the MDH said.

One case was confirmed on July 22 and two were confirmed on July 24. So far, two of the three cases needed hospitalization.

The cases this week brings Minnesota to 15 measles cases in 2024, which is an increase compared to other years, according to state data.

All the cases have occurred among unvaccinated children, and more than half required hospitalization. Officials said measles cases are also increasing nationally and internationally.

Health officials are working to notify people who may have been exposed, but said anyone who is not vaccinated against measles could be at risk and should watch for symptoms.

"Measles spreads easily, and it finds those who are vulnerable," said Jessica Hancock-Allen, infectious disease division director at MDH. "That is why it is important for families to make sure their children are up to date on their immunizations to protect them from this potentially serious disease."

Measles, highly contagious rash illness, spreads easily by coughing, sneezing or even being in the same room with someone who has measles. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area, health officials said.

Early measles symptoms, which take as long as 12 days to begin after exposure, include:

• High fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Rash that typically spreads from the head to the rest of the body

If symptoms develop, people are asked to call their healthcare provider before going to a clinic to avoid accidentally exposing other people to measles.

The MDH said children should receive two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Minnesotans have access to the Find My Immunization Record tool.