Increase in Global and Domestic Measles

This is a follow-up to the CDC Health Alert Network (HAN): Increase in Global and Domestic Measles Cases and Outbreaks: Ensure Children in the United States and Those Traveling Internationally 6 Months and Older are Current on MMR Vaccination released on Monday, March 18.

Measles in Minnesota and nationally

As health care providers and partners, be aware that: 

-- The United States is seeing a significant increase in measles cases, with 93% related to international travel.   

-- In just over a month, the U.S. cases have increased from 9 to 58 as of March 14. 

-- Currently, Chicago is experiencing an outbreak in a shelter with 12 cases and hundreds exposed. 

-- Minnesota has already had three cases reported in 2024, all related to international travel. 

-- Consider measles in patients presenting with rash, fever, and cough, coryza, or conjunctivitis.  

-- Isolate suspected measles cases in the health care setting.  

-- Collect specimens as soon as possible after rash onset and obtain specimens for PCR testing.  

-- Immediately report suspected and confirmed cases to the Minnesota Department of Health at 651-201-5414.  

-- For more resources about the information above, visit Measles Information for Health Professionals. 

Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine: Assess and promote

-- It is important to assess MMR vaccination status at every clinic visit and to recall those who have previously refused MMR vaccine for their child. The current measles situation is an opportunity to restart conversations with patients about the importance of vaccination. Many parents just need reassurance that the MMR vaccine is safe and will protect their child. For parents or patients who decline MMR for themselves or their children, counsel them that they could be excluded from childcare/school/work for 21 days or longer if exposed to measles. 

-- Vaccinate susceptible persons according to routine MMR recommendations - especially among those traveling internationally.  

-- Recognize the percentage of 2-year-olds in MN receiving at least one dose of MMR vaccine by 24 months has declined from 83.8% in 2019 (pre-pandemic) to 78.7% in 2023.  

-- Be aware that newcomers to the U.S. and MN may not have received an MMR vaccine. 

-- Partner with the Minnesota Immunization Information Connection (MIIC) to take part in a new texting initiative to remind or recall patients in need of MMR vaccine. Email [email protected] to sign-up or get more information about the program.

Additional resources:

CDC: Measles: Plan for Travel

CDC: Conversations: Talking to Parents about Vaccines

Client Follow-up: MIIC User Guidance and Training Resources