National Measles Outbreak: What Minnesotans Should Be Aware Of

New cases of measles continue popping up in states around the country and experts say this outbreak will go down as the worst in more than 30 years. Vox says, “Sometime this month, 2025 will likely surpass 2019 to officially become the worst year of measles overall in the United States since at least 1992.”

The CDC says cases have been reported in 30 states including Minnesota as of May 1, 2025.

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Measles Cases In Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Health says, “Most measles cases occurring in Minnesota result from someone traveling to or from countries where measles is common, and who are infectious with measles after arriving in Minnesota.”

Mayo Clinic in Minnesota Explains What Measles Is

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads very easily. Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota says symptoms appear 7-14 days after exposure and may include:

• Fever: Can be as high as 105°F (40.6°C).
• Dry cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watering eyes (conjunctivitis)

Small white spots can appear in the mouth after a couple of days and about 3-5 days after the first symptoms start a rash develops. People with measles are contagious “from four days before the rash appears until four days after.”

Can People Die from Measles?

Children under the age of 5 and people with compromised immune systems can become seriously ill from measles. The virus can be deadly for those groups.

Most people recover fully about 10 days after symptoms start.

How Do I Protect Myself From Measles?

The CDC says, “two doses of the MMR vaccine are recommended by doctors as the best way to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella.”

The first dose is administered when a child is 12-15mos old and the second shot is given before they turn 6. This vaccine is 97% effective in preventing measles.

If you aren’t sure if you received the vaccination as a child, speak to your doctor.