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June 14, 2022
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Declining vaccination charges throughout the pandemic increase concern that extra youngsters are in danger
The Minnesota Division of Well being (MDH) is working carefully with Hennepin County public well being and healthcare suppliers to research two confirmed instances of measles in youngsters who’re siblings residing in Hennepin County.
The 2 youngsters developed signs shortly after coming back from a go to to a rustic the place measles is widespread. Each have examined constructive for measles. The preschool youngsters weren’t vaccinated and one was hospitalized attributable to measles issues. The MDH, Hennepin County Public Well being workers, hospital and clinic workers are working to inform individuals who might have been uncovered. The chance to most of the people from these instances is low. The kids had been remoted when signs started, so exposures had been restricted to medical care and household settings.
MDH has notified well being care suppliers within the state to be alert for sufferers with indicators or signs of measles. If further instances of measles develop because of these instances, they’re more likely to happen between now and July 1, well being officers mentioned.
The preliminary signs of measles embody a excessive fever, cough, runny nostril, and watery eyes, adopted by a rash that normally spreads from the pinnacle to the remainder of the physique. It normally takes eight to 12 days from publicity to somebody with measles to develop the primary symptom, which is normally a fever. The measles rash normally seems two to 3 days after the fever begins. Measles could be a severe sickness that may result in hospitalization and even demise. In case you have signs of measles, name your physician or clinic and they’re going to let in the event you want a go to.
Any case of measles raises concern for well being officers. Measles is well unfold by coughing, speaking, or being in the identical room with somebody who has measles. Nonetheless, some communities in Minnesota proceed to have low measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination charges. Moreover, vaccination charges for MMR, together with different childhood illnesses, have decreased throughout the pandemic. Well being officers are involved that some youngsters could also be extra susceptible to vaccine-preventable illnesses than they had been two years in the past, particularly as many individuals are beginning to journey once more.
Primarily based on latest knowledge, the proportion of 2-year-olds who acquired no less than one dose of the MMR vaccine at 24 months decreased from 81.four% in 2019 to 79.three% in 2021. Extra particulars on this knowledge could be discovered at Minnesota Public Well being Information Entry Portal: Immunizations.
“This case emphasizes the significance of getting vaccinated towards vaccine-preventable illnesses, like measles,” mentioned Dr. Ruth Lynfield, state epidemiologist. “Vaccines are extraordinarily efficient in stopping measles. It is necessary that we work to get our immunization charges again to the place they have to be so that each little one in Minnesota is protected.”
Minnesota has had 4 instances of measles since a serious outbreak in 2017. Measles was declared eradicated within the US in 2000, however it’s nonetheless widespread in different components of the world. In a typical 12 months, Minnesota sees one to 4 instances of measles, normally in individuals who traveled to nations the place measles is extra widespread.
“We have to preserve our excessive vaccination charges in america to verify measles does not come again to Minnesota,” mentioned Margaret Roddy, part supervisor for vaccine-preventable illnesses at MDH. “So long as there may be measles someplace on the earth and folks journey, the danger to Minnesota stays. The measles vaccine is secure and efficient. With out it, the danger of illness is actual.”
The easiest way to stop measles is thru vaccination. Youngsters ought to obtain two doses of the MMR vaccine: the primary between 12 and 15 months of age and the second between four and 6 years of age. Youngsters 6 to 12 months previous ought to get an early dose of the MMR vaccine in the event that they journey to a rustic the place measles is widespread. For all ages, it is necessary to speak to your physician in the event you plan to journey to a different nation. Your physician can test to ensure you and your loved ones are up-to-date in your pictures and ensure there aren’t some other pictures you want.
MDH encourages individuals to test their information to verify that they and their youngsters have acquired the MMR vaccine. Minnesotans can request their immunization information by visiting Discover My Immunization Report.
For extra info, go to the MDH measles web site.
-MDH-
Media Inquiries:
Doug Schultz
MDH Communications
651-201-4993
doug.schultz@state.mn.us
