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In 2000, measles was declared eradicated in the U.S., but since then several outbreaks have been reported. Measles vaccine is highly effective, but unsupported claims about safety have led some parents to decline vaccination for their children. Because measles is extremely contagious, even small decreases in coverage diminish herd immunity and place unvaccinated individuals at risk for disease.
In April, the Minnesota Department of Public Health identified a measles outbreak, with 65 confirmed cases by the end of May; the outbreak is ongoing. Patients ranged in age from 2 months to 49 years (mean, 21 months); 85% were U.S.-born children of Somali descent. Overall, 95% of cases were in unvaccinated persons, despite 77% being vaccine eligible.…