Tracking measles in Minnesota

Public health officials have documented 160 cases of measles in Minnesota so far this year, nearly twice as many as the most recent record outbreak nearly a decade ago. Minnesota’s tally of confirmed cases is at its highest level since 1990. The Minnesota Department of Health provides case updates on Thursdays. Read more: Measles count in Minnesota surges to highest in decades Advertisement Minnesota cases in 2026 Measles is caused by a highly infectious virus, which can linger in droplets in the air long after they have been spread by infected individuals who cough, sneeze or speak. The illness involves a characteristic head-to-toe rash along with fever and breathing problems. About one in 10 cases requires hospitalization, though Minnesota so far has only reported three such severe cases. How does this year compare to the past? Minnesota’s confirmed cases are largely in counties with sizable Amish communities where most residents have religious objections to vaccination. State health officials have declined to confirm whether those communities have been involved in the latest measles clusters. Earlier this month, Wisconsin reported its first measles death since 1990. The victim was an infant. Wisconsin has reported 431 measles cases so far this year, with most concentrated in the southwestern region, bordering Minnesota counties.