Measles Is Back: Two Minnesota Counties Face Outbreaks

Health officials in Minnesota are tracking measles cases. This year, the state has confirmed 42 infections. The cases are spread across different counties.

Right now, two outbreaks are getting attention. One started in Fillmore County in the middle of February. Six people there tested positive. The other is in Todd County, which is in central Minnesota. Nineteen cases are linked to that area. Together, these two clusters make up 25 of the state's total cases.

A clear pattern stands out. Every person who caught measles in these outbreaks was unvaccinated. Measles moves quickly from person to person. Because it is so contagious, officials expect the number of sick people to keep rising over the next few weeks.

The bigger picture matters too. Measles had been eliminated in the United States for decades. Now it is circulating again. Nationwide, more than 4,000 cases have been confirmed this year. People travel constantly, so the virus can reach any community. No county is automatically safe.

State health leaders are asking residents to check their vaccine records. Anyone who has not been vaccinated against measles should consider getting the shot. There are pockets of under-vaccinated people across Minnesota. People who are not vaccinated are at risk, especially right now. More details are available on the state health department's website.