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| source : axios.com |
I’ll be honest: when I first saw the headline that measles might’ve been spreading at the Mall of America, I felt that all-too-familiar mix of “not again” and “how bad is this going to get?”
According to the latest update from the Minnesota Department of Health, an unvaccinated child in Dakota County tested positive for measles, and what’s especially concerning is that this case has no known source and no recent travel history. That means: the virus is likely circulating under the radar.
And yep, it gets even more unsettling.
This Child Visited the Mall of America, While Infectious
The infected child was at the theme park inside Mall of America on May 24, between 5 and 9 p.m. If you, or someone you know, was there during that time, health officials are urging people to be extra cautious and watch for symptoms until June 14.
I know, that’s a wide window. But here’s the thing: measles is ridiculously contagious. A single infected person can breathe out virus particles that hang around in the air for up to two hours. You don’t need to touch anything or even come face to face with someone, it’s airborne, and it’s stealthy.
Symptoms to Watch Out For
According to health experts like Jessica Hancock-Allen, who heads the infectious disease division at the Minnesota Department of Health, these are the signs to keep an eye on:
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Fever
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Cough
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Runny nose
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Watery eyes
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And most tellingly: an itchy rash that spreads from head to toe
The virus can be infectious up to four days before you even notice symptoms. That’s what makes it so tricky, and so dangerous when cases go undetected.
Another Case, This Time Linked to Air Travel
Adding to the concern, a second case was reported the same day: an adult from Washington County who was exposed to measles on a domestic U.S. flight. Officials are still trying to determine whether this person was vaccinated or not.
This brings up a crucial point: vaccination is still the strongest defense we have.
The Power of the Measles Vaccine
The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) is typically given in two doses during childhood, and according to Hancock-Allen, it provides about 97% lifetime immunity. That’s massive protection, especially when you consider how fast and easily measles can spread.
Even if you do catch it after being vaccinated (which is rare), the vaccine greatly reduces the severity of the illness and lowers your chance of passing it on to others.
So, What’s the Real Risk Here?
Let’s be real: any time measles shows up in a high-traffic, public space like a major mall, or on a plane, it’s a red flag. And when there’s no known source, that usually means community transmission is already happening.
This isn’t just a Minnesota problem, either. With vaccination rates in some areas dropping due to misinformation or access issues, we’re seeing a disease that was once declared eliminated in the U.S. try to make a comeback.
What You Can Do Right Now
If you were at the Mall of America on May 24 between 5–9 p.m., monitor your health. If symptoms appear, don’t wait, call your doctor or local health department.
And whether you were there or not, now’s a good time to:
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Check your vaccination status (and your kids’)
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Stay informed, especially during outbreaks
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Get vaccinated if you’re not already
It’s easy to think of measles as something from a bygone era, but as this case reminds us, it’s very much a present danger when we let our guard down.