New measles cases emerge in Minnesota, officials warn of possible Mall of America exposure
(This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.)
MINNEAPOLIS — There are two new Measles cases in Minnesota, and one impacted child was infectious while at a theme park.
The Minnesota Department of Health announced the two measles cases on June 2. These cases are the state’s third and fourth confirmed reports so far this year.
An adult from Washington County and child in Dakota County, both near the Twin Cities, are infected with measles, according to an MDH statement. Both people are now staying at home.
The child was reportedly infectious on May 24 while at the theme park inside the Mall of America.
Minnesota Department of Health officials warn shoppers at the mall between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. on May 24 could’ve been exposed to the illness. Those exposed to the child infected with measles should keep an eye out for symptoms. Officials say symptoms could develop from May 31 to June 14.
“Measles spreads easily, and it finds those who are vulnerable,” Jessica Hancock-Allen, infectious disease division director at the MDH, wrote in a statement. “We are seeing increased measles cases throughout the U.S. and internationally this year. The time is now for families to make sure their children are up to date on their immunizations to protect them from this potentially serious disease.”
Initial measles symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes. A rash that typically spreads from the head to the rest of the body is likely to follow, according to the MDH. The state health department said unvaccinated individuals are most vulnerable.
Symptoms typically show up eight to 12 days after the initial exposure, and the rash typically comes two to three days after the fever, health officials say.
The adult who tested positive for measles was reportedly exposed in a flight outside of the state, according to an MDH statement.
“Anytime we confirm a case of measles unrelated to travel that has no known source it is worrying,” Hancock-Allen wrote. “This is because it could be a sign that measles is spreading in the community undetected by public health and healthcare systems. It is uncertain where the child was exposed and whether others may have been exposed.”
Measles can spread by being in the same room as an infected person, coughing and sneezing. Health officials say the virus can be in the area for up to two hours after the infected person leaves the area.
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Corey Schmidt covers politics and courts for the St. Cloud Times. He can be reached at cschmidt@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times:
New measles cases emerge in Minnesota, officials warn of possible Mall of America exposure
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