Minnesota Detects 13 New Cases of Measles in 2025, Total Reaches 18

Over the past week, Minnesota has reported 13 new cases of measles, significantly impacting the state's health statistics for 2025. The recent cases include a cluster of 10 infections in Dakota County and three additional cases linked to children exposed to the disease during international travel. These outbreaks have brought Minnesota’s total measles cases for the year to 18, ranking as the fifth-highest annual total in at least 15 years, according to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). Notably, none of the infected individuals in the latest clusters had received the measles vaccine.

Measles remains one of the most contagious diseases, spreading rapidly among unvaccinated populations. Myra Kunas, an assistant commissioner at MDH, emphasized the infectious nature of measles, particularly affecting those who lack vaccination. The rise in cases occurs amidst a decline in childhood vaccination rates in Minnesota, which was already observed prior to recent political controversies surrounding vaccine safety.

Among the new cases are children infected through local transmission, including a family in Dakota County. This particular cluster originated from an individual who exhibited symptoms but was never tested, subsequently passing measles to related children. Fortunately, recent testing suggests that this outbreak may be contained, as no new cases have been identified since the initial detections.

However, MDH epidemiologists are monitoring three additional cases resulting from international travel. These individuals did not travel together, raising concerns about potential undetected spread within the community. People exposed to measles are advised to seek testing if they develop symptoms such as fevers or a characteristic rash, and unvaccinated individuals are recommended to stay home for 21 days to prevent further transmission.

Despite the high effectiveness of the two-dose measles vaccine—97% in preventing infection—vaccination rates in Minnesota have declined. While the state used to boast a 94% vaccination rate at kindergarten entry, recent data shows a drop to around 87%. This decline has contributed to the resurgence of measles cases, with the current situation reflecting a broader national trend that has seen U.S. cases reach the highest level since 1992, totaling approximately 1,500 cases so far this year.

Medics report that three children in the recent clusters required hospitalization. Experts warn that the reported surge and clusters are evidence of increasing susceptibility among unvaccinated populations, underscoring the importance of vaccination to prevent further outbreaks.

For more detailed information, see the original report at https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10-minnesota-measles-cases-total.html.