Minnesota health officials have issued an urgent warning after a highly contagious case of measles was confirmed at the Mall of America. An unvaccinated child from Dakota County, who was infectious at the time, spent four hours at the mall’s indoor theme park on May 24, between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Officials fear thousands of visitors may have been exposed during this window, raising serious public health concerns. What’s more alarming is that the source of the child’s infection remains unknown — a troubling sign that measles could already be spreading within the community.
“This is worrying,” said Jessica Hancock-Allen, director of Minnesota’s Infectious Disease Division. “It suggests a potential for broader community transmission.”
Health authorities urge anyone who visited the Mall of America during the stated timeframe to monitor for symptoms and check their vaccination status immediately.
