Measles Exposure Confirmed at Mall of America

ST PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Health has reported two new cases of measles, including one linked to community exposure at the Mall of America.

According to MDH investigators, a child was contagious while visiting the indoor theme park at the Mall of America on May 24. If you were at the mall between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. that day, it’s advised to monitor for symptoms from May 31 through June 14, based on a recent MDH announcement.

Health officials are stressing the importance of measles vaccinations as the most effective way to protect against this virus. Children should receive two doses: the first between 12 and 15 months and the second between 4 and 6 years. Infants as young as 6 months can get vaccinated early if travel increases their risk. The CDC notes that the measles vaccine is 97% effective after two doses and 93% effective after one dose when it comes to preventing measles after exposure.

“Measles spreads easily, finding those who are vulnerable,” commented Jessica Hancock-Allen, who leads the infectious disease division at MDH. “This year, we’re seeing more measles cases both in the U.S. and globally. Now’s the time for families to ensure their children are up to date on vaccinations to guard against this potentially severe illness.”

Measles is quite contagious and can spread through coughing, sneezing, or simply being in proximity to an infected individual. The virus can remain airborne for up to two hours. Early symptoms often include fever, coughing, runny nose, and watery eyes, which then progress to a rash typically starting from the head. Symptoms usually manifest eight to 12 days post-exposure, with a rash appearing two to three days after fever onset. If someone develops symptoms, it’s advised to contact their healthcare provider before visiting any clinic to minimize the risk of exposing others. Generally, people born before 1957 are considered immune due to prior infections.

Health officials indicated that the second case involved an adult from Washington County with vaccination status that hasn’t been confirmed, who was exposed during domestic travel outside Minnesota.

The two new cases now bring the total for the state to four this year.

Both patients are currently recovering at home, and health officials are collaborating with local departments to inform those who might have been exposed.

“Any time we confirm a measles case not linked to travel and with no identifiable source, it raises concerns,” Hancock-Allen highlighted. “This could indicate that measles may be circulating in the community without detection by public health and healthcare systems. It’s unclear where the child was infected and if others could also be at risk.”

In response, on Monday, the CDC released a new warning advising travelers to avoid flying unless they are vaccinated against measles.