U of M Expert Alert: Measles outbreak in Minnesota
MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL (10/22/2024)—Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause health complications, especially in young children and those with weakened immune systems. The Minnesota Department of Health has reported a measles outbreak in the state with 52 cases identified so far this year.
Alison Galdys with the University of Minnesota Medical School and M Health Fairview discusses the measles virus and how to prevent measles infection.
Alison Galdys, MD
“Measles infection spreads very easily from people who are sick from it. The virus travels from person to person through the air when infected people cough, sneeze, talk, or even just breathe. People with measles infection typically have a high fever and rash with a cough, runny nose or red, watery eyes. Severe infections can lead to hospitalization and, rarely, death — especially in babies, pregnant people and people with weakened immune systems. In very rare cases, the measles virus can cause neurological problems months to years after an initial infection. ”
“There is no antiviral medication that treats the measles virus. Fortunately, measles infection can be prevented by getting the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, available for all ages except very young infants. Getting the recommended two doses of MMR is 97% effective in preventing measles. The vaccine is part of the routine vaccination schedule in the U.S. during early childhood, but we’re seeing fewer people receive the recommended two doses of the MMR vaccine. This decrease is driving measles outbreaks in Minnesota and other states. Children and adults who have not received two doses of the MMR vaccine should talk with their doctor about what they should do to prevent measles in themselves and others.”
Contact
Alison Galdys, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Email: mednews@umn.edu
Download a high resolution photo of Dr. Galdys.
Dr. Alison Galdys is an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School and an infectious disease physician who specializes in treating general infectious diseases and in hospital epidemiology at M Health Fairview. Her research interests include the epidemiology of healthcare-associated infections and the use of molecular techniques to detect transmission patterns of bacteria in healthcare settings. Her areas of clinical interest include Clostridioides difficile infection and orthopedic infections.
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