Measles and whooping cough are on the rise in Hennepin County this year, impacting families across the Metro area. The latest report shows 45 cases of measles and 650 cases of whooping cough (pertussis), representing an eight-year high. Disparities in vaccination rates — and lower vaccination rates overall — are cited among the reasons for this rise.
Only 69% of Black children in Minneapolis have received their first MMR vaccine dose against measles compared to 88% of white and Hispanic children, according to the latest Minneapolis Department of Health data of children born after 2021. Similarly, 70% of Black children are vaccinated against whooping cough, versus 83% of white children. Both rates are below the 95% threshold needed to curb the natural infection chain throughout a community, known as herd immunity.
A larger snapshot of data from the Minneapolis Department of Health showed clear racial disparities in vaccine rates from children born between April 1, 2018, and March 31, 2020. In Hennepin County, 73% of Black children ages 4-6 have received one dose of the MMR vaccine, compared to 89% of white children. Only 73% of Black children compared to 89% of white children have received both doses. Among children born between April 1, 2018, and March 21, 2022, 72% of Black children ages 2-6 received four shots of the vaccine to protect against whooping cough, compared to 84% of white children.
Vaccinations are crucial in preventing the spread of these diseases. Measles, a highly contagious virus, spreads easily through the air and can cause pneumonia; whooping cough can cause severe respiratory issues, especially in infants. These diseases are largely preventable through timely vaccinations.
The rise in infection rate corresponds with a surge in mycoplasma pneumoniae infections — commonly called “walking pneumonia” — across the United States. The illness, a milder form of pneumonia, is affecting children in unprecedented numbers.
Dr. Jason Newland, Chief of Infectious Diseases at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, said the increase is unusual, particularly in children as young as 2 years old. “We’ve not experienced this in a long time, this much mycoplasma or walking pneumonia,” Newland said. Although anyone can contract walking pneumonia, individuals over 5 typically experience it.
Pneumonia disproportionately affects African Americans, with higher infection rates, more severe complications, and increased mortality compared to other racial groups, according to research. Socioeconomic factors, limited access to preventive care like vaccinations, and higher rates of underlying conditions such as asthma and diabetes contribute to these disparities.
Addressing these disparities and ensuring equitable access to vaccines is a key priority for the Public Health Advisory Committee (PHAC), a group of health experts from various sectors appointed by the Minneapolis City Council. It will present its findings next year.
While whooping cough cases are still appearing in vaccinated individuals, Luisa Pessoa-Brandao, director of Public Health Initiatives at the Minneapolis Health Department, noted that the vaccine plays a crucial role in reducing the severity of infections. “Vaccines work to boost your immune response to the infection, and so even though we are seeing cases of whooping cough, we are not seeing severe cases. That is due to the fact that so many of the cases have been up to date on the vaccine.”
The racial gap in vaccination rates is attributed to a combination of factors, including historical mistrust of the health care system, post-pandemic fatigue, and misinformation. “Part of our work at the Health Department is to ensure we are working with the different communities in Minneapolis to provide information and resources so that we can improve vaccination rates across the board,” she said.
Katie Severt, a PHAC representing Ward 7 and founder of Let’s Talk Women, a nonprofit aimed at tackling inequalities in women’s health care, emphasized vaccines in preventing infant death. “Infant mortality rates in Minneapolis are higher than they should be, and a large part of that is preventable,” Severt said. “Vaccines are critical to reducing infant deaths from preventable diseases like measles and whooping cough. Every unvaccinated child is a potential vector for these diseases, and when they spread, the consequences can be devastating for families.”
As we approach the holidays, Pessoa-Brandao emphasized the need for vaccinations to protect families. “It’s especially important to get vaccinated to protect ourselves and our loved ones,” she said. “Older adults and children are the most vulnerable. It’s not too late to get the flu shot and other immunizations.”
The Minnesota Department of Health offers a list of free and reduced-cost vaccine sites, available to all children regardless of immigration status. Go to www.health.state.mn.us/ to learn more.
Clint Combs welcomes reader responses to ccombs@spokesman-recorder.com.