Measles: Minnesota reports its third case related to a trip in six weeks

Health officials in the state of Minnesota have reported a third case of measles linked to a trip to the state in less than six weeks.

Large measles outbreaks occur in several parts of the world, including Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa and South America. Anyone traveling to these areas who is not fully immunized with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is at high risk of contracting measles.

Minnesota: Two cases of measles associated with a trip have been reported in Hennepin County

"As we said before, measles, like many other vaccine-preventable diseases, is only in the air. That's why it's so important that adults and children are aware of the recommended vaccines before traveling, "said Kris Ehresmann, director of infectious diseases at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).

Ehresmann noted that travelers are not the only ones at risk. "All Minnesotans should ensure that they are vaccinated against measles. Maintaining high immunization rates is the best way to protect our communities because measles can spread even before we know it exists. "

The Minnesota Department of Health has identified a case of measles in a 24-month-old child recently returned from a trip to the Middle East, where measles is common.

The Ramsey County child, who was partially vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella, was probably infectious between September 6 and September 14. Local public health staff, staff may have been exposed to specific parameters.

The MDH issued Friday a notice to health care providers in the metropolitan area to pay attention to patients with signs or symptoms of measles and to inform travel history. Health officials said the likely exposures to this case appear to be limited and the risk to the public is low. If other cases were to develop as a result of this case, they would probably occur by October 5th.

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