Minnesota measles count soars, with 80% of cases reported in Todd County

The laughter of children on playgrounds is increasingly shadowed by a growing public health threat: measles. Minnesota is grappling with a surge in cases, with 59 new infections reported just this past week, pushing the state’s total to 139 this year – the highest number in decades. While the disease was declared eradicated in the U.S. back in 2000, a concerning decline in vaccination rates is fueling this resurgence, particularly in central Minnesota’s Todd County, where a staggering 115 cases have been reported.

The Scope of the Outbreak

The Minnesota Department of Health’s latest report, released Thursday, confirms the alarming rise in measles cases. The majority of these cases have emerged since mid-September, and the concentration in Todd County is particularly stark. With a population of roughly 25,000, the county has seen 115 measles cases this year, a statistic that underscores the vulnerability of communities with lower vaccination rates. Compared to the statewide average of roughly 80%, only 60% of Todd County babies born in 2023 received the measles vaccine. This low rate is among the lowest in the state, creating a breeding ground for the highly contagious disease.

The consequences extend beyond Minnesota's borders. Wisconsin has reported 431 measles cases and tragically, an infant died of measles following an outbreak in southwestern Wisconsin – the first death in the state since 1990 and the third nationally in just the past week. The situation is not just a public health concern; it's a heartbreaking reminder of the preventable suffering that can occur when vaccination rates decline. The median age of those infected in Minnesota is 9.5 years old, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.

The World Health Organization declared measles eradicated in the U.S. in 2000, but the disease has made a comeback due to declining vaccination rates. Data shows that MMR vaccination rates in kindergarteners fell from around 93% during the 2019-20 school year to approximately 85% for the 2025-26 school year – well below the threshold needed for herd immunity. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides comprehensive information on measles and vaccination.

The Human Cost

Physician Perspective

Dr. Kim Tjaden, a family physician with CentraCare in St. Cloud, expressed her concern and frustration over the rise in measles cases. “We have a number of folks who choose not to vaccinate in our clinics and it’s heartbreaking,” she stated. She emphasizes the importance of education and understanding the potential devastation measles can inflict on families, particularly children. Dr. Tjaden, who has been in medicine for over 30 years, has remarkably never encountered a measles case until recently, a testament to the effectiveness of vaccines in previous decades.

Beth Parilla, managing the Vaccine Preventable Diseases Section with the Minnesota Department of Health, shared her frustration regarding the preventable nature of this outbreak. “To see somebody die from something that doesn’t need to be happening, it’s frustrating and hard and sad,” she said. Parilla noted that while international travel once brought in sporadic cases, the disease is now being spread by people traveling within the continental United States.

The Root Causes

Experts attribute the resurgence to a combination of factors, including decreased doctor's visits during the COVID-19 pandemic and the spread of misinformation about vaccines. The decline in vaccination rates is a critical factor. The pandemic disrupted routine childhood vaccinations, and the subsequent spread of misinformation online has further eroded public trust in vaccines. This has created a perfect storm for the re-emergence of preventable diseases like measles.

What is Being Done

The Minnesota Department of Health is working closely with local public health partners to educate residents and encourage vaccination. They have secured additional vaccine supplies from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to support outreach efforts. The state is urging all unvaccinated individuals to get vaccinated and consult with their healthcare providers if they have any concerns. The Minnesota Department of Health website provides up-to-date information on measles and other public health concerns.

In Wisconsin, the state health department has reported 431 measles cases, with nine hospitalizations and the first death since 1990. The outbreak in southwestern Wisconsin has raised concerns about the potential spread of the disease in Minnesota. Wisconsin health officials are also conducting contact tracing and providing vaccination clinics to contain the outbreak.

Moving Forward

The measles outbreak underscores the interconnectedness of communities and the importance of collective responsibility in protecting public health. While individual choices regarding vaccination are personal, they have consequences that extend far beyond the individual, impacting the most vulnerable members of our society – infants too young to be vaccinated, individuals with compromised immune systems, and those who cannot receive vaccines for medical reasons. Stearns County Health Department residents should check their vaccination status with their healthcare providers.

Strong families and stable communities thrive on commitment—commitment to education, commitment to health, and commitment to one another. When we abandon these commitments, we open the door to preventable suffering. While I respect individual liberty, I also believe that it carries a responsibility – a responsibility to consider the impact of our choices on those around us. The measles outbreak is a call to action, a chance to reaffirm our commitment to building a healthier, safer community for all. It's time for parents to re-evaluate their vaccine decisions and engage in honest conversations with their doctors, not fueled by online rumors but by sound medical advice and a genuine concern for the well-being of their children and neighbors.

Resources

Minnesotans seeking information about measles and vaccination can access resources from the following organizations:

• Minnesota Department of Health: https://www.health.state.mn.us/
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Your local healthcare provider
• Wright County Health Department
• Stearns County Health Department Health Department

The situation remains fluid, and ongoing vigilance is essential. The Minnesota Department of Health will continue to monitor the outbreak and provide updates as needed. Wisconsin Department of Health Services: First Measles Death Since 1990 The hope is that through education, outreach, and a renewed commitment to vaccination, the spread of measles can be contained and the community can return to a place of greater health and security.