Measles is an airborne, extremely infectious, and potentially severe rash illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control Measles was declared eliminated in the United States (U.S.) in 2000. This was thanks to a very high percentage of people receiving the safe and effective measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. In recent years, however:
• U.S. and Minnesota MMR coverage among kindergarteners is now below the 95% coverage target—much lower in some communities and is decreasing.
• Global and U.S. measles activity is increasing, meaning the risk of an unvaccinated person becoming infected during domestic and international travel is a risk.
Measles is a very contagious disease caused by a virus:
• It can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children.
• Measles spreads through the air when a sick person coughs or sneezes.
• The virus can stay in the air for 2 hours after a person with measles leaves the space.
• It is so contagious that about 9 out of 10 people who come near a person with measles will also become infected if not vaccinated.
• The best way to prevent measles is with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
• Anyone who is not vaccinated is at risk of measles infection and severe complications.
Measles symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus. Common measles symptoms include:
• High fever (may spike to more than 104°F)
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red and/or watery eyes
• Rash (breaks out 3-5 days after symptoms begin)
Measles can cause severe health problems, including:
• Pneumonia
• Swelling of the brain (encephalitis)
• Possibly even death
Total confirmed or probable measles cases investigated in Minnesota since January 1, 2025: 5 (July 14, 2025)
(Data are preliminary and subject to change.)
Wabasha County: Presently, we have no reported cases.
What are the symptoms of measles?
• Rash AND
• Fever AND
• Cough OR runny nose OR watery/mattering eyes
Measles is spread through the air when people who have it breathe and cough. It is highly contagious. You cannot get measles more than once, because after you have had it, you are immune.
MMR vaccination is the best way to prevent measles and its complications. For those who cannot or prefer not to get vaccinated, risk of measles infection and severe illness during an outbreak is much higher. Recognizing measles and getting appropriate medical care is important to help prevent spread of the virus and to prevent severe complications.
Report suspected cases and contact MDH at 1-877-676-5414 or 651-201-5414 with questions (regardless of level of suspicion).
