Fillmore County, Minnesota, has a case of laboratory confirmed measles (rubeola) as identified by the Minnesota Department of Health Laboratory. This result will be identified on the Minnesota Department of Health Measles Disease Statistics effective September 16, 2026. This is a case of domestically transmitted measles in an unvaccinated adult. Per data privacy practices, additional information specific to the case or any known contacts will not be released.
Fillmore County Public Health is currently working with the Minnesota Department of Health to identify people exposed to the person with measles and any additional people who may have measles symptoms.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads easily. It is transmitted through the air when people who have it breathe or cough.
The symptoms of measles are high fever (may be more than 104ºF), cough, runny nose, red and/or watery eyes, and a rash. The rash begins at the hairline, moves to the face and upper neck, and then down the body. Symptoms appear about 8-12 days after a person is exposed to measles.
If you have any of these symptoms, stay home and avoid visitors until you have talked with your health care provider. There is no treatment for measles. Seek medical care early because measles also puts people at risk for ear infections, pneumonia, and acute encephalitis (a brain infection that can lead to permanent brain damage). Supportive care, like fluids, may help people with measles manage diarrhea and vomiting. Complications are more common in children under age 5 and adults older than 20. Measles during pregnancy increases risk of premature labor, miscarriage, and low birth weight infants.
When vaccination rates within communities are low or drop, the risk of having an outbreak increase. The only safe way to prevent measles is to obtain an MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccination. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions about what vaccines you or your family members needed. Getting vaccinated helps protect infants age birth to six months, pregnant people, and people with immunocompromising conditions who are ineligible for vaccination. Fillmore County residents who are uninsured or underinsured may watch the Fillmore County website, Facebook page, and local media outlets for vaccination opportunities.
Fillmore County Public Health encourages all county residents to:
• Report symptoms to their health care provider or their local health department.
• Seek testing if you have symptoms.
• Check your vaccination status and obtain vaccination as needed.
• Obtain medical care early if you have symptoms.
More information about measles is available at the Minnesota Department of Health website. www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/measles/index.html
Community members seeking information about measles, testing, or exposure may contact: The Fillmore County Public Health Measles Line at 507-765-2642. Please leave a message at this number in the event we are assisting many callers or it is after business hours.
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