North Country Health Nuggets

Measles

Measles is more than a rash and fever.  It is a highly contagious disease that can cause serious illness in both children and adults.  Learning about measles and how vaccines help prevent it can help us make informed choices to protect our families and community.

As of October 22, 2026, Minnesota has reported 20 measles cases in Todd County and six in Fillmore County.  Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases, enabling it to spread quickly within communities and across geographic regions, particularly in areas with lower vaccination coverage.

What Is Measles?

Measles spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes.  Symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash.  While some people recover, others may develop serious problems, such as pneumonia or swelling of the brain.  Young children are at greater risk of severe illness.

How Does Vaccination Help?

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine trains the body's immune system to recognize and fight measles before a person is exposed to the virus.  Two doses are about 97% effective at preventing measles, meaning two doses protect about 97 out of 100 people.

The MMR vaccine has been carefully and extensively studied for safety.  Like any medicine, it can cause side effects, but most are mild and temporary, such as a sore arm at the injection site, fever, or light rash.  Serious reactions are rare.  Numerous large studies have found no link between the MMR vaccine and autism.

Making the Best Choice for Your Family

Parents want to make safe, healthy choices for their children.  It is reasonable to have questions about vaccines, especially when information online can be confusing or conflicting.

If you have concerns, talk with a trusted health care professional.  Ask about the benefits, possible side effects, and your child's health needs.  A helpful conversation can give you the information you need to make an informed decision.  For accurate and up-to-date information about measles and the MMR vaccine online, visit trusted sources such as the Minnesota Department of Health and American Academy of Pediatrics websites.

Protecting One Another

When more people are protected against measles, the virus has fewer chances to spread.  This also helps protect babies who are too young to be vaccinated and people who cannot receive the vaccine for certain medical reasons.

Our community is strongest when we care for one another.  Learning the facts, asking questions, and making informed health decisions are important steps toward keeping our children, families, and neighbors healthier.           (CDC-MMR Vaccine Safety information and  Minnesota Department of Health Measles and measles statistics) 

Submitted by: North Country Community Health Services and Beltrami County Community Health Services- www.ncchb.org or www.co.beltrami.mn.us/services/public-health/ or find us on Facebook-North Country Community Health Services

(Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard and Lake of the Woods Public Health)