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ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Health has confirmed two more measles cases in the state, saying one case is concerning because officials can’t trace a known exposure to the
infectious disease, which could mean that the virus is spreading in the state. The two new cases bring the state’s total this year to four. ADVERTISEMENT The new cases, which officials say
are unrelated, were reported in the east Twin Cities metro area. One person in Washington County, whose vaccination status is unknown, was exposed during domestic air travel outside of the
state. The second new case is the infection of an unvaccinated Dakota County child who has not traveled outside the state in the last month and has no known exposure to the disease. Both are
recovering at home. “Anytime we confirm a case of measles unrelated to travel that has no known source, it is worrying,” said Jessica Hancock-Allen, infectious disease division director at
the health department. “This is because it could be a sign that measles is spreading in the community undetected by public health and health care systems. It is uncertain where the child was
exposed and whether others may have been exposed.” The child was infectious while at the Mall of America theme park on Saturday, May 24. Disease investigators say anyone who was at the mall
between 5 and 9 p.m. that day might have been exposed. Any symptoms would appear eight to 12 days after exposure, meaning in this case between May 31 and June 14, officials said. Symptoms
include fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes, followed a few days later by a rash that typically spreads from the head to the rest of the body. People who are unvaccinated or who have
not had measles are most at risk and should watch for symptoms. The state department of health is working with local health departments to reach anyone they believe may have been exposed to
either person. People who suspect they have measles should call their health care provider before going to a clinic to avoid exposing other people, officials said. ADVERTISEMENT The best
prevention is immunization. Children should receive two doses of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine — first at 12 to 15 months of age and the second at 4 to 6 years of age. Minnesotans
who don’t have health records or are unclear about their vaccination record can go to Find My Immunization Record . Most people born before 1957 have had measles and are considered immune.
Measles is highly contagious and can lead to hospitalization and even death. 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 . Text Example ____________________________________ This story was written by one of our partner news agencies. Forum
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