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.
###
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.
October 8, 2025
Two physicians, four physicians-in-training, the late Minnesota House of Representatives Speaker Emerita and the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy were all honored with MMA awards as part of this year’s Empowering Physicians event on September 26. Each year, the MMA honors those in medicine for going above and beyond.
September 30, 2025
Lisa Mattson, MD, of Plymouth, was installed as the Minnesota Medical Association’s (MMA) 159th president on September 26, during the association’s Empowering Physicians event in Minneapolis.
September 8, 2025
The Minnesota Medical Association (MMA) and four other physician advocacy organizations sent a letter to Gov. Tim Walz on September 5 urging him to call a special legislative session to “pass legislation to address the devastating death and injuries from firearms and gun violence.