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MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Minnesota Measles Cases Reach 42 as Todd and Fillmore County Outbreaks Prompt New Vaccination Warnings
Minnesota health officials report 42 measles cases this year, including 25 recent infections in two unrelated outbreaks involving unvaccinated people.
SAINT PAUL, MN (October 16, 2026). Minnesota health officials are urging residents to review their measles vaccination status after two outbreaks in central and southeastern Minnesota pushed the state's 2026 case count to 42.
The Minnesota Department of Health's October 15 surveillance update identifies 19 cases in Todd County and six in Fillmore County associated with two unrelated clusters that emerged beginning in mid-September.
All 25 people involved in those recent clusters were unvaccinated, according to state health officials.
The increase is concerning because measles is highly contagious and can spread through the air before an infected person realizes they have the disease.
Where Cases Are Occurring
Todd County accounts for the largest share of Minnesota's confirmed cases this year, with 19 infections. Fillmore and Anoka counties have reported six cases each, while Hennepin County has recorded four, Wright County three, and Dakota and Polk counties two each.
The statewide total stands at 42, although officials caution that surveillance figures are preliminary and may change.
The recent outbreaks are geographically concentrated, but the risk is not confined to those counties. People who are not immune can become infected if they encounter the virus during travel, school activities, family gatherings or other public interactions.
State officials say the two Minnesota clusters are unrelated to outbreaks occurring in Wisconsin.
Why Health Officials Are Concerned
Measles spreads when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain in the air after that person leaves an indoor space, creating opportunities for exposure among people who were not in direct contact with the individual.
Symptoms commonly include fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes and a rash that typically begins around the face before spreading.
Although many patients recover, measles can cause serious complications, including pneumonia and inflammation of the brain. Young children, pregnant people and individuals with weakened immune systems face particular concerns.
Minnesota health officials report that the median age among the state's measles patients is approximately seven years. No measles-related hospitalizations had been reported in Minnesota during 2026 as of the October 15 update, although some patients required emergency department care.
Vaccination Remains the Principal Protection
The Minnesota Department of Health recommends vaccination with the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine according to established immunization guidance.
People who are uncertain about their vaccination history should contact their healthcare provider to determine whether they are adequately protected.
Todd County Health and Human Services has specifically urged residents to review their records and seek assistance if they are uninsured, underinsured or need help obtaining vaccination.
The department can be reached at 320-732-4500.
What to Do if Symptoms Develop
Anyone who develops symptoms consistent with measles should contact a healthcare provider before arriving at a clinic or emergency department.
Calling ahead allows medical staff to arrange precautions that reduce the risk of exposing other patients, including infants and people who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.
People who believe they have been exposed should also seek individualized medical advice promptly because preventive interventions may be time-sensitive.
A Wider Public Health Challenge
Minnesota's experience is part of a broader national resurgence. Public health officials have linked the increase in cases to gaps in vaccination coverage and the return of sustained transmission in communities where too few people are protected.
For families across the Twin Cities, the outbreak is a reminder that infectious diseases do not necessarily remain within the counties where they are first identified.
The state's updated case data and vaccination guidance are available through the Minnesota Department of Health.
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