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Measles

Measles Cases on the Rise in Minnesota

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Measles cases are increasing in Minnesota, with the state Department of Health confirming three new cases in unvaccinated children in Anoka, Hennepin and Ramsey counties. These cases are not directly linked, and there is a concern for possible spread of the disease in the community. The cases bring Minnesota's total to 15 in 2024, with over 50% of the cases requiring hospitalization. This marks a significant increase compared to previous years, with Minnesota's cases also mirroring a national and international trend of rising measles cases.

Key Takeaways:

  • Three new measles cases were confirmed in unvaccinated children in Anoka, Hennepin and Ramsey counties, bringing Minnesota's total to 15 cases in 2024.
  • The cases are not directly linked, and there is a concern for possible spread of the disease in the community.
  • Over 50% of the cases have required hospitalization, highlighting the potential severity of the disease.
  • Measles is a highly contagious rash illness that can be spread through coughing, sneezing, or being in the same room as an infected person.
  • The measles virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.
  • Initial symptoms of measles include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes, followed by a rash that typically spreads from the head to the rest of the body.
  • Jessica Hancock-Allen, infectious disease division director at MDH, emphasizes the importance of immunization in preventing measles, especially for families with unvaccinated children.

Statistics:

  • 15 measles cases in 2024 (Minnesota Department of Health)
  • 50% of cases required hospitalization (Minnesota Department of Health)
  • Measles virus remains in the air for up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves an area (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
  • Only 2-3 days after the fever begins, the measles rash typically appears (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
  • 8-12 days from exposure to someone with measles, the first symptoms develop (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
  • 12-15 months of age: first dose of MMR vaccine (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
  • 4-6 years of age: second dose of MMR vaccine (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
  • 6-12 months of age: early dose of MMR vaccine for travel to countries with common measles (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Sources:

  • "Measles spreads easily, and it finds those who are vulnerable," said Jessica Hancock-Allen, infectious disease division director at MDH. (Minnesota Department of Health)
  • "The best way to prevent measles is through immunization." (Minnesota Department of Health)
  • Find My Immunization Record (Minnesota Department of Health)
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)

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