Measles Confirmed In Le Sueur County

Monday, May 15, 2017

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has confirmed two cases of measles in Le Sueur County. These are the first confirmed measles cases in south central Minnesota in 2017. The confirmed cases are unvaccinated children under the age of five. The children have not required hospitalization and are recovering at home. MDH emphasizes that there has been no other known exposures from the confirmation of these two children in Le Sueur County. they have in exclusion at home and have not been in contact with the public.

MDH investigates how individuals become infected, identifies people known to be exposed, monitors them for symptoms and informs them of recommended protective actions. Health officials continue to monitor individuals across the state and update the MDH website regularly with case statistics (see link below).

Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. It is no longer common in the United States due to high immunization levels. Symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes followed by a rash that typically spreads from the head to the rest of the body.  A person with measles can pass it on to others 4 days before the rash appears to 4 days after it appears.  Measles spreads easily by coughing, sneezing or even being in the same room with someone who has the illness. Measles can be a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and even death.

Le Sueur County Public Health officials are encouraging people to check their immunization records to make sure they are vaccinated. Measles can spread very easily among unvaccinated people, so the best way to protect yourself and your community is to make sure everyone who is able receives the measles, mumps and rubella or MMR vaccine.  You can view your immunizations and immunizations for your children up to age 13 on your Mankato Clinic Patient Portal. To view immunizations, click on the My Health tab in your Patient Portal and choose “Immunizations.” Immunizations administered prior to June 2011 may not show in the patient portal. You may request all vaccination records by calling the Minnesota Immunization Information Connection request line at 651-201-3980.

MDH is recommending an “accelerated” vaccination schedule for children and adolescents of the two dose MMR series in counties with a confirmed case of measles. Counties include Le Sueur, Crow Wing, Hennepin and Ramsey. If you live outside of these counties and still want the accelerated MMR schedule, please call 507-625-1811 and schedule and appointmentChildren (12 months and older) and adolescents should have 2 doses of MMR.  The first dose is given at 12 months, and with the accelerated schedule can by followed by a second dose 28 days later. Contact your health care provider for additional guidance.  People who need to be vaccinated can call the Mankato Clinic at 507-625-1811.

For more information about measles, visit the MDH website at

http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/measles/index.html

There is also a link on the Le Sueur County website at http://www.co.le-sueur.mn.us/