Two more unvaccinated Minnesota children have measles infections, raising the state’s total to 20, according to updates over the weekend.
Fifteen of the 20 cases have been from exposures within the United States, 4 have been imported cases, and 1 case-patient has an unknown exposure. Eighteen of the 20 measles cases in the state have been in children, according to CBS News, and the 2 newly reported cases involve unvaccinated children in Ramsey and Hennepin counties, both in the Twin Cities. The Minnesota Department of Health said the children likely contracted measles from an unvaccinated adult.
Last year Minnesota reported 70 measles cases, but zero in 2023.
In Mexico, a large ongoing measles outbreak has now resulted in 22 deaths. The Mexico Ministry of Health reported 4,879 confirmed cases through October 11, with 4,380 of those cases (90%) reported in Chihuahua state.
School nurses’ association touts immunizations
The National Association of School Nurses (NASN), in a position statement published in The Journal of School Nursing, reaffirmed the importance of school-age vaccinations.
Immunizations save lives, reduce illness, and keep students healthy, safe, and ready to learn,
“Immunizations save lives, reduce illness, and keep students healthy, safe, and ready to learn,” said NASN President Lynn Nelson, MSN, RN, in an NASN press release. “School nurses are trusted leaders in addressing vaccine hesitancy, correcting misinformation, and supporting families to ensure every child has access to the protection vaccines provide.”
