Measles Update

Todd County (Minnesota) has several cases of suspected measles in their communities. All
community members who are unvaccinated are at-risk for becoming infected with the measles
virus. People who have been vaccinated, or have had the measles virus in the past, are not at
increased risk.
Todd County Health & Human Services and Wadena County Public Health are providing
prevention education, information, and support for families who may have been exposed to
measles and anyone experiencing symptoms consistent with the disease.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads easily through the air when an infected
person breathes or coughs. Symptoms include a high fever, which may exceed 104°F, cough,
runny nose, red or watery eyes, and a characteristic rash. The rash typically begins at the
hairline and spreads to the face, neck, and then the rest of the body. Symptoms generally
appear 7 to 14 days after exposure.
If you have symptoms of measles, stay home and avoid visitors until you have spoken with your
health care provider. Seek medical care promptly, as measles can cause serious complications,
including pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and, in rare cases, death.
Complications are more common among children younger than 5 years of age and adults older
than 20. Measles during pregnancy can increase the risk of premature labor, miscarriage, and
low birth weight.
The safest and most effective way to prevent measles is through vaccination with the MMR
(measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. Talk with your health care provider if you have
questions about vaccination. Vaccination also helps protect infants, pregnant individuals, and
people with certain immunocompromising conditions who may not be able to receive the
vaccine. One dose of the MMR vaccine is 93% effective in preventing measles.
Todd County Health & Human Services encourages all residents to:
• Report measles symptoms to their health care provider or Todd County Health & Human
Services.
• Seek medical care promptly and obtain testing if you develop measles symptoms. Always
call ahead so the health care provider can prepare for your arrival.
• Review your vaccination status and get vaccinated if needed.
Additional information about measles is available from the Minnesota Department of Health:
https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/measles/index.html
For information about measles, testing, exposures, or vaccination status, contact:
Todd County Health & Human Services at 320-732-4500. (For Todd County residents)
For vaccination assistance:
Individuals with private health insurance should contact their primary care provider. Those who
are uninsured, underinsured, or enrolled in a Minnesota Health Care Program should contact
Todd County Health & Human Services at 320-732-4500.
Media inquiries:
Jackie Och, Director
Todd County Health & Human Services
jackie.och@toddcountymn.gov
Katherine Mackedanz, Community Health Manager
Todd County Health & Human Services
katherine.mackedanz@toddcountymn.gov