MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Department of Health on Monday confirmed an outbreak of measles cases in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
The ministry has provided little information about the incident, but said the risk to the public was “extremely low.” MDH is investigating and will notify anyone who may have been exposed.
Related: Search Tool: Find Kindergarten Immunization Rates in Minnesota Schools
Measles was officially declared eradicated in the United States more than 20 years ago, but declining vaccination rates have increased the risk of the disease spreading. Communities need high vaccination rates. Maintain herd immunity and prevent epidemicssay experts.
According to the Department of Health, only 87.2% of kindergarteners were fully vaccinated with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine in the 2023-24 school year. By comparison, in 2019, 92.6% of kindergartners were fully vaccinated with the MMR vaccine. Officials believe the decline is likely due to people not having regular well-child visits during the pandemic.
Parents can access their child’s immunization record online and learn how to stay up-to-date on all immunizations.
