The Minnesota Department of Health on Wednesday, Oct. 1, issued information about measles symptoms, immunizations and travel after confirming 10 more cases of the infectious disease in the Twin Cities metro area.

The new cases — all of which have been confirmed since Sept. 29 — bring the state’s yearly case total to 18. All 10 of the new cases were connected to recent domestic or international travel.

The additional Minnesota cases come amid the United States’ worst year for measles since 1992, with more than 1,500 known cases in 2025.

“The significant increase in measles cases around the U.S. this year, and the fact that measles is still very prevalent in other countries, continues to highlight the urgency for families to make sure their children are up to date on their measles immunizations,” said Myra Kunas, assistant commissioner for MDH’s Health Protection Bureau.

While children are advised to receive their first measles vaccine — often delivered through a combination measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR, shot — at 12 to 15 months old, MDH said children as young as 6 months old can get their first dose “if their travels will put them at high risk for measles.”

Kids can receive their second measles vaccine between age 4 and 6. Two doses offer 97% protection against infection, MDH said.

The state health department is encouraging Minnesotans, before they travel, to confirm if they and their children are immunized against measles. Minnesotans can access their immunization record through the Minnesota Immunization Information Connection.

Additionally, “we are encouraging families to be aware of symptoms of measles, particularly the rash, and call their health care provider if they notice a rash,” said Jessica Hancock-Allen, director of MDH’s infectious disease division, “especially if their child is unvaccinated and has been exposed to someone with measles or has traveled recently.”

Measles symptoms include watery eyes, runny nose, cough and fever. A few days after those symptoms begin, MDH said, a rash that “typically spreads from the head to the rest of the body” appears.

MDH said people with symptoms, or whose children have symptoms, should call their health care provider before visiting a clinic in order to limit accidental exposure to others.

“Measles is one of the most infectious diseases on the planet,” Kunas said. “It spreads easily, and it finds those who are not vaccinated.”

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