Minnesota officials warn of measles exposure at Mall of America
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The child was at the theme park inside the mall the evening of May 24. Photo: AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images
A child who was infectious with measles was at the Mall of America theme park over Memorial Day weekend, Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) announced Monday.
Why it matters: Anyone who came in contact with the child at the bustling shopping and tourism destination may have been exposed to the highly contagious and potentially life-threatening disease.
Threat level: MDH says people who were at the mall on May 24 between 5pm and 9pm should watch for symptoms — typically fever, cough, and a runny nose, followed by a rash — through June 14.
- People who are unvaccinated and have not previously contracted measles are at higher risk.
Driving the news: The disclosure came as MDH announced two new confirmed cases of the illness in Minnesota, bringing this year's total to four.
What we know: The child, who was unvaccinated, lives in Dakota County and had no known exposure prior to becoming ill.
- The second case, which officials say was unrelated, involved an adult from Washington County who was exposed during domestic air travel. Their vaccination status was unknown.
What they're saying: While both individuals are recovering at home, state health officials say they're especially concerned about the child's case given the "worrying" lack of travel or known exposure.
- "It could be a sign that measles is spreading in the community undetected by public health and healthcare systems," Jessica Hancock-Allen, infectious disease division director at MDH, said in a statement.
The mall told Axios in a statement that it informed team members and tenants of the case after learning about it on Friday and continues to work with state and local health officials on the issue.
- "Providing a clean and safe environment is a priority to us, as we have extensive daily sanitation protocols for all rides, food services, and Mall common areas," the statement read.
- The statement did not include a response to Axios' inquiry about how many people were at the mall the evening of May 24.
Between the lines: People who believe they have measles should call their health provider before showing up in person to avoid exposing other patients, MDH says.
What's next: MDH is working with local health departments to contact those who may have been exposed through either case.
The bottom line: Outbreaks have popped up across the country this year, with more than 1,000 cases across 30 states as of early May.
- Health officials stress that keeping up with immunizations is the best way to prevent measles.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with a comment from the Mall of America.