Child With Measles Visited Mall Of America Theme Park: MDH

BLOOMINGTON, MN — A child with a confirmed case of measles was infectious while visiting the indoor theme park at the Mall of America on May 24, according to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).

Anyone who was at the MOA between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. that day may have been exposed, health officials said Monday. Symptoms of measles could appear between May 31 and June 14. Unvaccinated individuals, or those who have never had measles, are most at risk and should monitor for signs of infection.

The child, who is from Dakota County and is unvaccinated, has not traveled outside Minnesota recently and had no known exposure to measles, MDH said. Officials called the case concerning because the source of the infection is unknown.

"Anytime we confirm a case of measles unrelated to travel that has no known source, it is worrying," said Jessica Hancock-Allen, director of the infectious disease division at MDH. "It could be a sign that measles is spreading in the community undetected by public health and healthcare systems."

The child is one of two unrelated measles cases confirmed in Minnesota in recent days, bringing the state’s total to four in 2025.

The other case is an adult from Washington County with an unverified vaccination status who was exposed during domestic travel outside the state. Both individuals are recovering at home.

MDH is working with local health departments and Twin Cities locations to contact those who may have been exposed in either case.

Measles is a highly contagious illness that spreads through coughing, sneezing, or simply being in the same room with an infected person. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after that person leaves.

Symptoms usually appear eight to 12 days after exposure and include fever, cough, runny nose, and watery eyes, followed by a rash that spreads from the head down. The rash typically appears two to three days after the fever begins.

Anyone who develops symptoms should call their healthcare provider before going in person to avoid exposing others.

Health officials continue to stress the importance of vaccination. The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is highly effective and recommended in two doses, the first between 12 and 15 months old and the second between 4 and 6 years old.

Minnesotans can check their vaccination status through the state’s "Find My Immunization Record" tool. Most people born before 1957 are considered immune due to likely prior exposure to measles.

"We are seeing increased measles cases throughout the U.S. and internationally this year," Hancock-Allen said. "The time is now for families to make sure their children are up to date on their immunizations."