Third Case of Measles Confirmed in Dakota County

The Minnesota Department of Health is reporting it has discovered a third case of measles in Dakota County.

The new case was discovered in a 43-year old adult female with an unknown vaccination history. Officials discovered the case through follow-up investigations and it is believed the individual contracted the virus through contact with a  who acquired the infection in Kenya.

The second case was an unvaccinated 15-month-old in Dakota County who also came in contact with the infected infant.

An outbreak in Hennepin County earlier this year saw 20 measles cases reported. Officials state on the Health Department website that they consider that outbreak over and not related to the cases in Dakota County.

Measles in the United States has largely been held in check through widespread immunizations, however, the disease is still prevalent in many countries. The virus is highly contagious to unvaccinated individuals.

The Minnesota Department of Health recommends two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine in children beginning at 12 to 15 months and again between the ages of 4 and 6. Unvaccinated adults are also recommended to be immunized.

Infected individuals will typically develop a fever eight to 12 days after being exposed. A rash at the hairline typically develops a few days later spreading to the face, neck and body. Other serious complications can arise.

More information on prevention, diagnoses and treatment can be found on the Minnesota Department of Health website.