Measles cases surge in Minnesota
A measles outbreak across Minnesota has caused a spike in cases in Hennepin County, prompting health officials to issue new guidelines for vaccinations.
(FOX 9) – The Minnesota Department of Health is issuing new guidance on vaccinations as measles cases continue to rise across the state.
what do they say?
The health department is urging parents to get their children vaccinated as soon as possible. Under new guidelines, children will be able to receive a second measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine as early as one month after the first dose.
Dr. Liz Placzek of Children’s Hospital Minnesota emphasized the seriousness of the situation: “We’ve been dealing with this problem for a long time, especially because measles has a long incubation period.”
The measles outbreak, which began in May, accelerated throughout August. Although there have been no new cases since mid-September, pediatricians remain cautious.
“People who may have been exposed to measles may develop symptoms up to 21 days after the onset of measles. Therefore, it is difficult to determine when an outbreak is over, or is nearing an end. is very difficult,” he said. Placek.
context
There have been 51 measles cases confirmed in Minnesota so far this year, 50 of which have affected unvaccinated children. Additionally, there have been eight unrelated cases resulting from travel transmission.
The majority (45) of the 51 active cases are in Hennepin County, with cases also confirmed in Anoka, Ramsey and Dakota counties.
Of the total cases, 24 were children between 1 and 5 years of age and 22 were children between 5 and 19 years of age.
What you need to know
The first dose of MMR vaccine is usually given at 1 year of age, and the second dose is given around 4 years of age. But amid the outbreak, new guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health recommends getting the second dose sooner, within just 28 days. After the first dose.
“Children will be fully protected sooner because they can receive a second dose 28 days after the first dose,” Dr Placzek explained.
The biggest problem facing doctors during the measles outbreak is fear of vaccination. Dr. Placzek encouraged parents not to hesitate to talk to their doctor about their fears, saying, “The most important thing is to just ask questions. Don’t feel like your pediatrician will judge you.” Please ask us,” he said. —We take these questions all day, every day. ”
During the measles outbreak, 12 children were hospitalized. The health department says cases are particularly high among Minnesota’s Somali-American population. However, unvaccinated people or those who are not fully vaccinated are still at risk.
