Health Officials Confirm New Measles Cases in Dakota County, Minnesota
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA — The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has confirmed three new cases of measles in the Twin Cities metro, all involving unvaccinated children from Dakota County, Minnesota. Officials warn that the new cases highlight the growing risk of outbreaks in Minnesota and across the nation.
Local Situation
The MDH announced on September 25, 2025, that the three affected children had no recent travel history. Investigators believe they were exposed to measles through an unvaccinated family member who recently traveled within the U.S. and reported a measles-like illness, but was never tested. These new cases bring Minnesota’s total to eight confirmed measles cases in 2025.
Health officials are working with local and tribal health departments to identify and contact anyone who may have been exposed. Because measles is highly contagious, MDH emphasizes that even a single case can quickly spread within communities, particularly in areas with lower vaccination rates.
National Outlook
The Minnesota cases are part of a broader trend. As of September 23, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 1,514 measles cases across 42 U.S. states and jurisdictions in 2025, a sharp increase compared to previous years.
Guidance for Health Care Providers
MDH is urging physicians, pediatricians, emergency staff, and other frontline health workers to remain alert. Providers are advised to:
Consider measles in patients presenting with fever, rash, cough, runny nose, or red eyes—especially in unvaccinated individuals.
Isolate suspected cases immediately to prevent further spread in clinics or hospitals.
Collect PCR specimens for testing at the MDH Public Health Laboratory, which offers free and rapid turnaround testing.
Contact MDH immediately when a suspect case is identified, since post-exposure prophylaxis is only effective within a limited timeframe.
Review vaccination records at every visit and administer vaccinations to patients who are due or overdue.
Vaccination Reminder
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine remains the most effective protection against these viruses. MDH reminds families that:
Children should receive their first dose between 12 and 15 months and a second dose between 4 and 6 years old.
Children as young as six months may receive an early dose before traveling internationally or to U.S. areas with outbreaks, though they will still need the two standard doses later.
Providers can use the Minnesota Immunization Information Connection (MIIC) to identify and recall patients who are overdue for vaccination.
State health officials emphasize that the recent cluster of cases is a reminder of the dangers of declining vaccination rates. “MMR vaccine remains the most important tool for preventing measles,” MDH stated, adding that now is the time to restart conversations with hesitant families about the importance of immunization.
More Information
MDH Measles Resources: health.state.mn.us/diseases/measles
CDC Measles Cases and Outbreaks: cdc.gov/measles/data-research
MDH Health Alert Network: health.state.mn.us/han
Written by: Will Wight
Cover Photo Credit: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
