Last updated: October 18, 2026. The facts below reflect the Minnesota Department of Health's October 15, 2026 surveillance update and official CDC data reported October 16–17, 2026. Case counts are preliminary and may change. This guide is for information only — always follow your doctor's advice for treatment and vaccination.

Minnesota Measles Outbreak 2026: 42 Cases, Symptoms & Care

Measles is spreading again in the American Midwest. The Minnesota Department of Health has confirmed 42 measles cases in 2026, with 25 of them appearing since mid-September in two unrelated rural outbreaks — 19 in Todd County and 6 in Fillmore County — and every recent case was unvaccinated. Nationally, the United States has passed 4,000 confirmed cases, its highest level since 1991. Here is what families need to know: the symptoms, how to protect children, and how to manage a case safely at home.

The outbreak right now: the key numbers

• 42 cases in Minnesota in 2026 (Minnesota Department of Health, October 15 surveillance update — medicaldaily.com, October 17).
• 25 cases since mid-September in two unrelated clusters: 19 in Todd County (north-central Minnesota) and 6 in Fillmore County (southeastern Minnesota) (FOX 9, October 16).
• All 25 recent cases were unvaccinated, state officials confirmed — and the median age of Minnesota's cases this year is about 7, meaning mostly children (Medical Daily, October 17).
• No hospitalizations in Minnesota this year, though some patients needed emergency room care (Medical Daily, October 17).
• Todd County's child vaccination rate has fallen from 74.6 percent for children born in 2021 to 61.6 percent for those born in 2023; county officials say coverage needs to be close to 100 percent to stop the spread (reported October 17).
• Not linked to Wisconsin: the two Minnesota clusters are unrelated to each other and to Wisconsin's outbreak, which has at least 267 cases (Minnesota Department of Health).

What is measles?

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through the air — a person can be infected simply by being in a room where someone with measles has been. Health officials warn the case count "will very likely grow in the days and weeks ahead" because measles spreads so easily, and exposure can happen in any community: travel, school activities, family gatherings, or other public interactions.

Measles symptoms to watch for

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, watch for this progression:

• High fever — often the first sign
• Cough and runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
• A rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body

Important: If you suspect measles, call ahead before visiting a clinic so staff can protect other patients.

When to seek urgent care

Most measles cases recover at home, but the disease can turn serious, especially for infants, young children, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems. Seek urgent care immediately for:

• Trouble breathing or fast, labored breathing
• Confusion or unusual drowsiness
• Rapidly worsening illness instead of steady improvement

How to protect your family

• Two documented MMR doses for children — review vaccination records now (Minnesota requires two doses before kindergarten unless the family obtains an exemption).
• The Minnesota Department of Health calls the MMR vaccine safe, well-studied, and the strongest defense against measles.
• Check coverage before travel — measles is circulating again in the U.S., and unvaccinated people can become infected in any county.
• Non-medical exemption rates have risen: 6.8 percent of Minnesota kindergartners had one in 2025–26 versus a 4 percent national average. If your child is behind, talk to your healthcare provider.

Managing measles at home safely

When a family member has a mild case, home care is usually the plan — and it must be done carefully to protect everyone in the household:

• Isolate the patient from unvaccinated or vulnerable household members as much as possible.
• Track fever and symptoms daily so any worsening is noticed early, not late.
• Keep the patient hydrated — fever and reduced appetite make dehydration the biggest home-care risk.
• Rest and quiet recovery — measles recovery takes days to a couple of weeks; avoid rushing back to school or work.
• Never self-medicate children — follow your doctor's guidance for any medication.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many measles cases does Minnesota have in 2026?

42 cases as of the Minnesota Department of Health's October 15 update — including 25 since mid-September in two unrelated outbreaks (19 in Todd County, 6 in Fillmore County). All recent cases were unvaccinated.

What are the symptoms of measles?

High fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash that starts on the face. Call ahead before visiting a clinic if you suspect measles.

When should I seek urgent care for measles?

For trouble breathing, confusion, or a rapidly worsening illness. Measles can be especially dangerous for infants, young children, pregnant people, and those with weakened immunity.

How can families protect children from measles?

Two documented doses of the MMR vaccine. Review your children's vaccination records and talk to your healthcare provider — the Minnesota Department of Health calls MMR safe, well-studied, and the strongest defense.

Is measles spreading across the United States in 2026?

Yes — more than 4,000 confirmed cases, the highest since 1991, with 451 hospitalizations by mid-October. Pennsylvania is the epicenter (1,260 cases); Wisconsin has at least 267.