Measles
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has identified 21 cases of measles in unvaccinated children since June 2022.
Health risks
Measles is a very contagious disease caused by a virus. It is no longer common in the U.S., but is still common in many other countries and may be brought into the U.S. by unvaccinated travelers. Measles can cause ear infections, pneumonia, seizures, and in some instances, brain damage and death.
Symptoms
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.
Exposure
Immediately call your healthcare provider and let them know that you have been exposed to someone who has measles. Your healthcare provider can
- determine if you are immune to measles based on your vaccination record, age, or laboratory evidence.
- make special arrangements to evaluate you, if needed, without putting other patients and medical office staff at risk.
Anyone who has been exposed to and is not immune should stay home for 21 days until their risk of developing measles has passed.
Prevention
Make sure you and your child have been vaccinated with the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. Talk to your health care provider if you
have questions about what vaccines you or your child needs. Here are the current recommendations:
- Children get MMR doses at 12-15 months and at 4-6 years of age; the second MMR may be given as soon as a month after the first dose.
- International travel to endemic or outbreak areas (including Europe, Asia and Africa) may increase risk of exposure to measles. An early dose of MMR is recommended for children 6-12 months of age and for adults and children who have not been vaccinated and who will be traveling internationally or where outbreaks are occurring.
- Adults who have not had measles or measles vaccine should receive one dose of MMR vaccine, particularly if they were born in 1957 or later
- Students (including college students), health care workers, and international travelers need to have received two doses of MMR vaccine, if they have not, they should get vaccinated.
Most primary care providers offer vaccines for children, including the MMR. In addition, Saint Paul – Ramsey County Public Health’s Immunization Clinic at 555 Cedar in Saint Paul offers low-cost MMR vaccine and other vaccines for infants, children and adults who are uninsured, or whose insurance does not cover shots.
Learn more about measles
General information about measles, including symptoms, complications, tests, and treatment.
Measles fact sheets
Think Measles
Visiting another country? Protect your family. International travelers are thinking COVID-19, but you should think about measles. (PDF)
- Think Measles
- Piense en el Sarampión
- Xav Txog Mob Qhua Taum
- Ka Fakar Jadeecada
- Waa'ee Gifiraa Itti Yaadaa
Measles: It Isn’t Just a Little Rash
Measles can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children. (PDF)