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Measles Surge in Minnesota: Highest in Decades
6 Nov
Summary
- Minnesota reported 59 new measles cases recently, totaling 139 this year.
- Todd County, MN, has the lowest vaccination rate at 60%, with 115 cases.
- Wisconsin reported its first infant measles death since 1990.
Minnesota is experiencing a significant surge in measles cases, with 59 new infections reported recently, pushing the year's total to 139. This marks the highest number of cases the state has encountered in decades, with the majority appearing since mid-September.
Todd County, a central Minnesota area with approximately 25,000 residents, has become the epicenter of the outbreak, recording 115 cases this year. This alarming rise is linked to a vaccination rate of only 60% for babies born in 2023, substantially lower than the state's average of around 80%.
Globally, the World Health Organization had previously declared the U.S. measles-free in 2000. However, experts observe a resurgence of the disease attributed to declining vaccination rates nationwide. Compounding the concern, Wisconsin recently announced an infant's death due to measles, marking the state's first such fatality since 1990.
