Third travel-related measles case in six weeks reported in Minnesota

A third travel-related measles case has been reported in Minnesota in less than six weeks, according to Minnesota Department of Health officials.

A 24-month-old child from Ramsey County came down with the measles after a trip to the Middle East. The child was partially vaccinated for measles, mumps and rubella. The child was likely infectious from Sept. 6 to Sept. 14. Staff at the clinic and hospital where the child received treatment are notifying people who may have been exposed.

While health officials believe the exposure risk is low in regards to this case, state officials are encouraging Minnesotans to make sure their measles vaccination records are up to date before traveling.

If any other cases develop due to this case, they would likely happen by Oct. 5.

Measles is a highly contagious disease. Symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes followed by a rash. The disease was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000. Since then, Minnesota has seen several cases a year, usually related to travel to another country, however, last year the state saw an outbreak of 75 cases.