Todd County has confirmed 19 cases of measles since mid-September, the Minnesota Department of Health said Thursday, Oct. 15.
The cluster of cases is the largest in the state. There is an unrelated cluster of 6 cases in Fillmore County, south of Rochester.
All of the people in the clusters were unvaccinated, MDH said. Todd County first reported a case of measles on Oct. 1, and stated it involved an adult who got measles while traveling within the United States.
"Given how contagious measles is, the case count will very likely grow in the days and weeks ahead," a news release from the agency stated.
Measles is highly contagious and spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes or coughs.
The disease can make people very sick, and symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes and the characteristic rash, which typically begins at the hairline and spreads down the body.
Measles can also cause serious complications, including pneumonia, swelling of the brain and, in rare cases, death, according to Todd County Health and Human Services.
Measles can be especially harmful to infants, young children, pregnant people and people with underlying conditions.
If you have symptoms of measles, stay home and avoid visitors until you've spoken with your health care provider, and seek medical care promptly.
MDH is encouraging people to get vaccinated and stated that the measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR, vaccine is the strongest defense against measles.
"Talk with your health care provider if you have questions about vaccination," Todd County stated in a news release Oct. 6. " ... 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.
A total of 42 cases have been reported in Minnesota this year.
Measles was eliminated in the U.S. for decades but is circulating once again, with more than 4,000 confirmed cases nationwide in 2026.
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