August 7, 2024
In late July, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) confirmed three measles cases in unvaccinated children in the Twin Cities metro area, which once again stresses the importance of getting children vaccinated.
The best way to prevent measles and other communicable diseases is through immunization. Children should receive two doses of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine—the first at 12 to 15 months of age and the second at 4 to 6 years of age.
“For all ages, it is important to talk to a physician to make sure you and your family are up to date on your immunizations,” says MMA President Laurel Ries, MD. “Diseases like measles have made a come-back because of low immunization rates. We thought we had these diseases beat years ago.”
Measles is a highly contagious rash illness, and can be a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and even death. Measles spreads easily by coughing, sneezing or even being in the same room with someone who has measles. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.
Additional information about measles can be found on the MDH Measles website.
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About the Minnesota Medical Association
The Minnesota Medical Association is a non-profit professional association representing physicians, residents and medical students. With more than 10,000 members, the MMA is dedicated to being the leading voice of medicine to make Minnesota the healthiest state and the best place to practice.
September 30, 2026
Dania Kamp MD, of Sturgeon Lake, was installed as the Minnesota Medical Association’s (MMA) 160th president on September 25, during the association’s Empowering Physicians event at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Her term, which officially begins October 1, lasts one year.
September 29, 2026
Five physicians, two physicians-in-training, a state senator, and two firearm safety advocacy organizations were all honored with Minnesota Medical Association (MMA) awards as part of the association’s Empowering Physicians event on September 25. Each year, the MMA honors those in medicine for going above and beyond.
June 29, 2026
This Fourth of July, Minnesota physicians are once again urging their fellow Minnesotans to leave the fireworks up to the professionals.