10/19/2026
Since mid-September, there have been 25 cases of measles confirmed in two unrelated clusters in different parts of the state (6 in Fillmore County and 19 in Todd County). All of the people who got sick with measles in recent weeks were unvaccinated. Given how contagious measles is, the case count will very likely grow in the days and weeks ahead. The current total for measles cases in Minnesota is 42 cases in 2026.
After being eliminated in the U.S. for decades, measles is once again circulating within our country. There have been more than 4,000 confirmed cases in the U.S. this year. In our highly mobile society, that means exposure can occur in any community, in any county. There are pockets of unvaccinated or under-vaccinated people across Minnesota, and anyone who isn't vaccinated against measles is at risk -- especially right now.
Measles is highly contagious and spreads from person-to-person easily by coughing, talking, or even being in the same room with someone who has measles. The virus can live in the air up to two hours after an infected individual leaves that space.
If you’ve had the MMR vaccine, you're well protected against measles and less likely to become infected.
A single dose provides about 93% protection against measles. Two doses provide about 97% protection.
Some people, such as infants under 12 months and people with weakened immune systems, cannot receive the MMR vaccine. The best way to protect them from measles is for the people around them to be vaccinated.
For more information about measles cases and outbreaks, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/
For more information on vaccine safety, visit: https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2025/how-the-us-ensures-vaccine-safety
