A measles outbreak in Minnesota has risen to 30 reported cases.
The first cases were reported in May, with the outbreak starting to "take off" in late July, according to an Aug. 28 news release from the Minnesota Department of Health.
Only one case has been reported in an adult; the rest have been reported in children ages 7 months to 10 years. One in 3 cases have resulted in hospitalization. The outbreak is largely concentrated among unvaccinated children in a Somali community in Minnesota.
Jaya Kumar, MD, chief medical officer of Minneapolis-based Fairview Health Services, told Becker's the health system's "clinics, pharmacies, and community health teams have intensified outreach and implemented low-barrier initiatives, such as vaccine-only appointments and popup clinics, to make it easier for families to protect their children."
"We are collaborating closely with trusted community leaders to address concerns and provide accurate information through culturally sensitive outreach," Dr. Kumar said. "Vaccination is crucial for preventing the spread of diseases like measles and safeguarding both individual and community health."