Measles Outbreak in Twin Cities

ST. PAUL (KVRR) — There has been a measles outbreak in the Twin Cities.

The state’s Department of Health says most cases are among unvaccinated kids in the Somali community.

With 36 confirmed cases, 35 of them being people within the state and one visiting.

About one-third of the patients were hospitalized.

It is the biggest measles outbreak since 2017 when 75 infections were tied to kids at a Twin Cities child care center.

“There’s certainly some reluctance among some parents to get the vaccine. And its been you know this vaccine is very safe it’s very effective its been around for over fifty years. You know just getting our immunization rates back up I think is going to be key for this,” said Becky Schmidt, Public Health Strategist.

Cass County Health officials say you should make sure your kids are up to date on their vaccinations.