As measles cases rise in the Twin Cities, health officials urge vaccinations

As measles cases continue to rise in the Twin Cities, health officials are urging families to ensure they are current on their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines.

The Minnesota Department of Health says that 30 cases of measles have been reported in the state since the start of May, with numbers accelerating since the end of July.

Cases have ranged in age between children from 7 months to 10 years, and one case in an adult. About 1 in 3 cases have required hospitalization.

According to health officials, the outbreak is largely affecting unvaccinated children in the Somali community in the Twin Cities, however they warn, anyone who is not vaccinated is at risk.

The disease typically presents via a highly contagious rash, and spreads quickly when someone coughs, sneezes, or is in the same room as someone with measles.

It can be spread before someone shows symptoms, and the virus can remain in the air for up to two hours. If left untreated, it can cause severe disease, leading to hospitalization and even death.

Risk of further spread is presented by the return to school, but MDH also noted some upcoming events in the Twin Cities metro area could also be a spreader, such as the Islamic Association of North America Annual Convention on Sept. 1 and the Annual Minnesota Muslim Convention on Sept. 14. Health officials advise attendees to be vaccinated and to stay home if they are not or have been exposed to measles.

"Measles is currently circulating, and infections can be severe,” said Dr. Ruth Lynfield, state epidemiologist and medical director at MDH. "I urge all parents to be sure that their children are vaccinated because we know that vaccination offers the best protection."

Unvaccinated people exposed to measles need to stay home and away from others for 21 days. This means missing school, social and family events, and more.

The Minnesota Department of Health encourages guardians to check their child’s immunization records to see what vaccines they need.

Minnesotans can visit Find My Immunization Record for more information. Children can get vaccinated at their regular clinic, and the Minnesota Vaccines for Children program (MnVFC) provides free or low-cost vaccines for children in Minnesota who are uninsured or enrolled in a Minnesota health care program.

“While parents may not be able to protect their kids from all the risks that come with childhood, you can protect your child from measles,” said Dr. Abdul Abdi, pediatrician at Children's Minnesota. “The MMR vaccine is extremely effective at protecting kids, families, and the entire community."

Related: Measles cases confirmed in Twin Cities toddler, sibling