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MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Minnesota Measles Cases Surge to 139 as Todd County Outbreak Exposes Dangerous Gaps in Vaccination Coverage
State health officials report 59 additional cases in a single update, bringing Minnesota's 2026 total to its highest level in decades. Todd County accounts for most infections, while cases have also been identified in Anoka, Hennepin and other counties.
ST. PAUL, MN (November 8, 2026).
Minnesota is confronting its most extensive measles outbreak in decades after state health officials reported 59 additional cases Thursday, bringing the total number of confirmed infections in 2026 to 139. The sharp increase has intensified concerns about childhood vaccination coverage, the speed at which measles can spread through susceptible communities and the challenges facing public-health officials as they attempt to contain the outbreak.
According to the Minnesota Department of Health, 115 of the state's confirmed cases have occurred in Todd County, a central Minnesota community with approximately 25,000 residents. The county accounts for more than 82 percent of Minnesota's reported infections this year, making it the center of an outbreak that has spread rapidly since mid-September.
The outbreak is particularly concerning because measles is among the most contagious infectious diseases. The virus spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes, and it can remain in the air for up to two hours after that person has left an enclosed space. People without immunity can become infected simply by sharing air in a location where the virus has circulated.
Todd County's Vaccination Gap
Health officials have identified low vaccination coverage as a major factor contributing to the outbreak. According to reporting by CBS Minnesota, only approximately 60 percent of children born in Todd County in 2023 had received the relevant measles vaccination, compared with a statewide figure of approximately 80 percent for the same group.
Those figures do not represent the vaccination status of every resident, but they illustrate a significant gap in protection among young children.
Measles prevention depends heavily on community immunity. When vaccination rates are high, the virus has fewer opportunities to spread between susceptible people. When substantial numbers of residents remain unvaccinated, a single introduction can lead to an expanding outbreak.
The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, commonly known as MMR, is highly effective. Two doses provide approximately 97 percent protection against measles, according to federal public-health guidance.
Minnesota's vaccination recommendations generally call for the first dose at 12 through 15 months of age and the second at 4 through 6 years, although health authorities may recommend earlier or accelerated vaccination in certain outbreak or travel circumstances.
The Outbreak Extends Beyond Central Minnesota
Although Todd County accounts for most infections, the Minnesota Department of Health has also identified cases in several other counties.
As of the November 5 update, Anoka County had recorded six cases, Hennepin County four, Fillmore County six, Wright County three, Polk County two, Scott County two and Dakota County one.
Those figures demonstrate why the outbreak cannot be regarded solely as a Todd County problem.
Minnesota residents routinely travel between counties for employment, education, healthcare, shopping and family activities. An infected person may also be contagious before realizing they have measles, creating opportunities for exposure in public settings.
For families in Coon Rapids, Blaine, Brooklyn Park and surrounding communities, the presence of cases in Anoka and Hennepin counties underscores the importance of reviewing vaccination records and following public-health advisories.
The state has not established that every county reporting cases is experiencing sustained community transmission. Nevertheless, the geographic distribution shows that infections are not confined to a single locality.
Why Measles Remains a Serious Health Threat
Measles often begins with fever, cough, runny nose and red or watery eyes. A characteristic rash usually appears several days later, often beginning on the face before spreading downward.
Complications can include ear infections, pneumonia and inflammation of the brain. Young children, pregnant people and individuals with weakened immune systems may face particularly serious risks.
The disease can also result in hospitalization and, in rare cases, death.
The outbreak comes as neighboring Wisconsin has reported a measles-related infant death, according to public-health information reported November 5. The death is a reminder that measles is not merely an uncomfortable childhood illness.
Minnesota's 139 confirmed cases represent its highest annual total since 1990, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune.
The state recorded 75 cases in 2017, 70 in 2024 and 26 in 2025. The current outbreak has already surpassed each of those recent totals.
What Families Should Do
Residents who are uncertain about their vaccination status should contact a healthcare provider or review their immunization records. Parents should ensure children receive recommended vaccinations and follow any additional guidance issued for communities experiencing outbreaks.
Anyone who believes they may have measles should contact a healthcare provider before arriving at a clinic or emergency department. Advance notice allows healthcare facilities to take precautions that reduce the possibility of exposing other patients.
Health officials also emphasize that vaccination remains the most effective means of preventing measles and limiting outbreaks.
The Minnesota Department of Health continues monitoring cases and publishing updates as new information becomes available. Its figures are preliminary and may change as investigations proceed.
THE TAKEAWAY
Minnesota's measles outbreak has become a significant statewide public-health concern, with 139 confirmed cases and a particularly severe concentration in Todd County.
The latest increase of 59 cases demonstrates how quickly the virus can spread where vaccination coverage is inadequate. The identification of infections in Anoka, Hennepin and other counties makes the outbreak relevant to families throughout the Twin Cities and Northwest Metro.
The immediate priority is preventing additional infections through vaccination, timely identification of cases and clear public-health communication. The longer-term challenge is addressing the gaps in immunization coverage that have allowed a preventable disease to regain a foothold in Minnesota.
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