Minnesota is dealing with a measles outbreak this summer that public health officials can’t explain, the Star Tribune reports. A public health investigtion has been launched to find out the origin of three infections that, in July, affected children in three counties.

The state has seen 22 measles cases in 2024, the third highest since 2000, that have affected those not vaccinated against the disease and the Minnesota Department of Health anticipates more on the way. 

The Minnesota Department of Health is investigating how three children, aged 10 and younger, contracted the disease because the trio had no apparent contact with one another.

Senior epidemiologist Jayne Griffith said new cases haven’t “taken us by surprise." The cases, she went on to say, may have been a result of overseas travel going back to May. The Star Tribute writes "That would be a relief, because the alternative is something state health officials want to avoid: community spread of measles within the state itself."

“We have been prepared for the close contacts to become cases," she said. 

“The more you keep talking to people, it will sometimes trigger a memory” Griffith said, suggesting that children and their parents could remember a potential measles exposure. Doctors throughout the state are in a high alert state to assess and test for measles. 

Because the children were all unvaccinated against measles, health authorities have asked parents across the state to ensure that their children are vaccinated against the illness and that their MMR shots are up to date, especially as the new school year begins.

The percentage of children in kindergarten who are getting their standard vaccinations against measles, mumps and rubella has declined to 87 percent this year from 93 percent just four years ago.

Health authorities blame the decrease on the vaccine hesitancy that has increasingly characterized the public response to the Covid mRNA vaccine, which did not actually result in preventing either the transmitting or contracting of the virus.

Democratic Gov. Tim Walz instituted harsh Covid lockdowns and a snitch line for those wanting to report the non-compliance of others. Vice President Kamala Harris selected Walz as her running mate in the 2024 presidential election. 

About 55 percent of those who contract measles in Minnesota are hospitalized after initially feeling like they have a cold or flu but realize their condition is more serious once a rash develops. Measles is highly contagious and can spread at a great distance. The number of cases in Minnesota in 2024 is the third-highest since 2000.