Measles Case Confirmed in Olmsted County, Minnesota

One case of measles has been confirmed in a child under five years old in Olmsted County, Minnesota, according to a press release issued by the county’s health services on October 17, 2023. The child is symptomatic, unvaccinated, and recently returned from international travel.

The Olmsted County Public Health Services (OCPHS) is collaborating with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to contact individuals who may have been exposed to the infected child. The health department emphasized that unvaccinated individuals or those who have not previously contracted measles are at the highest risk and should remain vigilant for symptoms.

Health Measures and Community Safety

In a statement, the Mayo Clinic confirmed that the patient was treated at their facility in Rochester and is in stable condition. The clinic is actively working with public health authorities to ensure community safety. They are reaching out to patients, families, and staff who may have had confirmed exposure to provide necessary guidance. The clinic highlighted that they have stringent infection prevention protocols in place and teams trained to respond promptly to infectious diseases.

Symptoms of measles, a highly contagious viral infection, include fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and a characteristic rash that typically spreads across the body. The OCPHS has advised anyone who believes they might have contracted measles to contact their healthcare provider immediately. This is crucial to ensure that appropriate care is provided while minimizing the risk of further exposure, as the virus can remain airborne even after an infected person has left the vicinity.

Vaccination Recommendations

The health department advocates that vaccinations are the most effective means of preventing measles. Children are recommended to receive their first dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR) between the ages of 12 to 15 months. For those traveling internationally or to areas in the U.S. experiencing outbreaks, this vaccination can be administered as early as six months of age.

Prior to the recent confirmation in Olmsted County, the MDH reported a total of 20 measles cases statewide in 2023. In early October, health officials urged the public to get vaccinated after documenting ten cases within just a few days.

As measles continues to pose a significant public health challenge, authorities stress the importance of awareness and vaccination to protect not only individual health but also the broader community.