Two measles cases reported in Minnesota

MMR vaccinations in the state have fallen since the pandemic.

The Minnesota Star Tribune
February 16, 2024 at 9:09PM
Dr. Shruti K. Gohil, associate medical director for epidemiology and infection prevention at UCI Medical Center, holds a dose of MMR, the vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella. (Ana Venegas/Orange County Register/TNS) ORG XMIT: 1163174 ORG XMIT: MIN1501282305177647 ORG XMIT: MIN1502031200399233
Dr. Shruti K. Gohil, associate medical director for epidemiology and infection prevention at UCI Medical Center, holds a dose of MMR, the vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella. (Ana Venegas/Orange County Register/TNS) ORG XMIT: 1163174 ORG XMIT: MIN1501282305177647 ORG XMIT: MIN1502031200399233 (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Two children in Minnesota have tested positive for measles following international travel, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.

An unvaccinated 16-month-old contracted measles, and the child’s unvaccinated sibling developed symptoms, testing positive for measles in a lab test. The family resides in the Twin Cities area.

The Department of Health emphasized the importance of measles, mumps and rubella vaccinations (MMR) to prevent an outbreak.

MMR vaccinations have fallen since the pandemic: In 2023, only 78.7% of 2-year-olds in Minnesota received one dose of MMR vaccine by 24 months compared to 83.8% in 2019, according to a MDH announcement for health care providers.

Across the United States, 58 measles cases were reported throughout 2023. In 2024, 20 cases have already been reported by 11 jurisdictions, according to the CDC.

Common measles symptoms include rash, fever, cough, coryza or conjunctivitis — especially among those with recent international travel or contact with people returning from international travel.

about the writer

about the writer

Zoë Jackson

Reporter

Zoë Jackson is a general assignment reporter for the Star Tribune. She previously covered race and equity, St. Paul neighborhoods and young voters on the politics team.

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