Minnesota: Pertussis and Measles update
In a follow-up on the measles and pertussis situation in Minnesota, state officials have seen significant increases since or last report six weeks ago.
Pertussis
Minnesota is experiencing a significant rise in pertussis cases with patients ranging in age from 1 months to 92 years and a median age of 14 years. This increase is particularly notable among adolescents.
The total number of confirmed/probable pertussis cases reported in 2024 as of September 12, 2024 in Minnesota is 706, with the most cases reported in Hennepin County (243), Carver County (82), Wright County (75) and other surrounding counties.
Despite the growing number of reports, pertussis often remains undiagnosed due to its varied clinical presentation and symptom overlap with other respiratory illnesses.
Health officials say testing for pertussis should be considered in patients with a persistent or worsening cough of unknown origin lasting more than seven days, or any duration of cough if there has been close contact with a known case of pertussis.
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Measles
Health officials are urging families to make sure they are up to date on their measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine as a measles outbreak continues to impact unvaccinated children in the Twin Cities metro area.
Since May, 42 cases of measles have been reported in Minnesota as part of this outbreak. Initial cases were reported in May and June, but the outbreak started to take off at the end of July. Cases have ranged in age from 7 months to 10 years, with one case in an adult, and about 1 in 3 cases have required hospitalization.
So far, the outbreak is largely affecting unvaccinated children in the Somali community in Minnesota. However, anyone who is not vaccinated is at risk of getting sick with measles.
“Measles is currently circulating, and infections can be severe,” said Dr. Ruth Lynfield, state epidemiologist and medical director at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). “I urge all parents to be sure that their children are vaccinated because we know that vaccination offers the best protection.”
General recommendations for MMR vaccine are for children to get two doses, one at 12-15 months of age and one at 4-6 years of age, although a second dose can be given earlier.