Measles case confirmed in Olmsted County

Olmsted County Public Health Services (OCPHS) has confirmed a case of measles in an unvaccinated child residing in Olmsted County. The individual is under the age of five, exhibiting symptoms, and has a recent history of international travel.  

Measles is a highly contagious rash illness and can be a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and even death. Measles spreads easily by coughing, sneezing or even being in the same room with someone who has measles. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. 

OCPHS is working with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to contact those who were exposed to the case. Unvaccinated persons, or persons who have not had measles, are most at risk and should watch for symptoms of measles. 

Initial symptoms of measles include a fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes followed by a rash that typically spreads from the head to the rest of the body. The measles rash usually appears two to three days after the fever begins. 

If symptoms develop, people should call their health care provider before going to a clinic. Calling first is an important way to ensure that proper care is received without accidentally exposing other people to measles. 

The best way to prevent measles is through immunization. Children should receive two doses of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine—the first at 12 to 15 months of age and the second at 4 to 6 years of age. For all ages, it is important to talk to your doctor if you are going to be traveling to another country or an area of the United States with a measles outbreak. Children 6 to 12 months old can get an early dose of MMR vaccine if their travels will put them at high risk for measles. Your doctor can check to make sure you and your family are up to date on your immunizations and make sure you do not need any other immunizations. 

OCPHS encourages people to check their immunization records to confirm that they and their children have received the MMR vaccine. Minnesotans can also go to Find My Immunization Record. Most people born before 1957 have had measles disease and are considered immune.