Doctor on frontlines of Todd County measles outbreak says it could ‘overwhelm’ health system 

A measles outbreak has sent cases soaring in central Minnesota this fall, particularly in Todd County, which accounts for 85 percent of cases in the state. New data released Thursday by the Minnesota Department of Health shows a total of 136 cases in the county since mid-September.

Minnesota has reported 160 measles cases statewide so far this year. It's the biggest measles outbreak the state has seen since 1990.

Lakewood Health System in Staples has been on the frontlines of the outbreak. Dr. Christine Albrecht, the health system's chief medical officer, said the small health system has seen between one and four measles patients in its emergency room each week this fall. Providers were surprised at how sick some patients have been with high fevers, vomiting and diarrhea. Some have been so sick they've needed to transfer to hospitals with a higher level of care.

"I always thought measles was, you know, you get a rash, you get a high fever, you get a cough," she said. "But the amount of dehydration in these patients has been super surprising to us."

Albrecht said the outbreak is unlike anything the health system's providers have seen in many years, and pointed to declining vaccination rates in Todd County. Among Todd County children born in 2021, 74.6 percent had received at least one dose of the measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR, vaccine. For children born in 2023, that figure dropped to 61.6 percent, according to state health department data.

Albrecht said that Lakewood has identified 623 unvaccinated children among patients who receive care at its clinics.

"If this gets into our public school system, it could overwhelm our health system," she said.

Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases that exists. Albrecht said that nine out of 10 unvaccinated people who are exposed to the virus will become infected, and that the virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left a room.

That contagiousness has forced Lakewood to change some of its everyday procedures to limit the risk of transmission. Every patient that checks in to a Lakewood clinic or facility is screened for symptoms and vaccination status, and patients who are suspected of having measles are taken directly to negative-pressure rooms rather than waiting in common areas.

The health system is also working with the Minnesota Department of Health and local schools to encourage vaccination and offer vaccines to children.

The MMR vaccine provides strong protection against measles. Two doses are 97 percent effective. For adults who aren't sure whether they've been vaccinated, Albrecht said providers may be able to check state immunization records or order a blood test to determine whether someone has immunity. But she said getting an additional dose of the vaccine doesn’t hurt for people who aren't sure of their vaccination history.

Albrecht said the health system is grateful for the support of state health officials as the outbreak continues, and continued education and vaccination will be key to protecting the community.

"The Minnesota Department of Health has been absolutely fantastic to work with," she said. "We're definitely trying to keep educating, keep advocating for vaccines and trying to protect our community."

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation with Minnesota Now host Nina Moini and Dr. Christine Albrecht.