A case of measles has been confirmed in Polk County. This is the first case of measles confirmed in the county in 2026.
Polk County Public Health is working with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to contact people
who may have been exposed, and area health care providers to ensure they have the information
needed to care for the community.
Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when people who have it
breathe, cough or sneeze. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after a person with
measles leaves the area.
Symptoms of measles may include a fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes followed by a rash that
typically starts around the head and moves down the body. The measles rash usually appears two to
three days after the fever begins.
If symptoms develop, a person should call their health care provider before going to a clinic. Calling your
clinic first is important to avoid exposing other people to measles.
“The best protection against measles is the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine,” said Holly
Billie, Polk County Public Health Nursing Supervisor. “The vaccine is safe and highly effective, and we
encourage anyone who is not vaccinated to get vaccinated.” If you are unsure of your vaccination status, contact your healthcare provider, Polk County Public Health at 218-281-3385.
What you can do:
• Check your MMR vaccination status: https://bit.ly/3SU5o7p
• Monitor for symptoms
• If symptoms develop, call your healthcare provider before seeking care
• Stay home if you are sick
For more information about measles, visit: https://bit.ly/4cAqKS8
