Health Officials Warn of Measles Exposure at Mall of America

Health Officials Warn of Measles Exposure at Mall of America

In troubling health news, officials are alerting the public about potential exposure to measles at the Mall of America following a visit from an unvaccinated child. This child, who resides in Dakota County, is part of a recent surge of measles cases in Minnesota, with the other recent case involving an adult in Washington County who was exposed during travel.

The child visited the mall’s theme park on the evening of May 24, raising concerns among health authorities about the risk to other visitors. Measles, described as one of the most contagious diseases known to medicine, can be transmitted through simple interactions such as talking, laughing, or singing. According to Jessica Hancock-Allen, the Director of Infectious Disease at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), the virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left.

Contagious Nature and Symptoms of Measles

Measles poses serious health risks, including high fevers and potential complications like brain swelling and pneumonia. Hancock-Allen described the pain and suffering that the disease can cause, emphasizing that 70 cases of measles were reported in Minnesota in 2024, with a significant percentage requiring hospitalization and rare instances leading to fatalities.

The symptoms of measles generally begin with a fever, followed by cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and ultimately a rash that expands across the body. Health officials are currently monitoring individuals who were at the mall on May 24 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., as symptoms may take up to 12 days to appear, with a window for monitoring extending until June 14.

Health experts attribute the uptick in measles cases to declining vaccination rates; in Minnesota, the percentage of fully vaccinated kindergarteners dropped from over 92% in 2019 to just 87% in 2024. This downward trend raises alarms about community immunity levels, with local parents like Alexander Vechensky highlighting the importance of vaccination for the safety of their children.

Public Health Response

In response to the outbreak, the Mall of America has assured the public that it prioritizes safety through extensive daily sanitation protocols across rides, food services, and common areas.

The national context is equally concerning. With over 1,088 measles cases reported in the United States this year, and a vast majority of those in Texas, health officials are watching this situation closely. Minnesota specifically ranks poorly in vaccination rates, coming in fourth-worst for kindergartners in the country.

Health officials continue to strongly recommend that parents ensure their children receive the MMR vaccine. The vaccination is typically administered in two doses: the first between 12 and 15 months, and the second between ages four and six. For families traveling to areas with outbursts, early vaccination or consultation with healthcare providers is recommended.

As the situation develops, it serves as a critical reminder of the importance of vaccination in preventing outbreaks of highly contagious diseases like measles, where the consequences can be severe for unvaccinated populations.

To protect yourself and others, please be vigilant for symptoms and consider consulting with healthcare providers regarding vaccinations.