Latest news with #MinnesotaDepartmentofHealth
CBS News
6 days ago
- Health
- CBS News
Health officials warn of rise in "rabbit fever" cases in Minnesota
Health officials in Minnesota are tracking an increase in "rabbit fever" cases across the state. The illness, called tularemia, is caused by the bacteria Francisella tularensis. It's commonly found in small rodents, rabbits, squirrels and beavers. People typically develop the illness from tick and fly bites, scratches from infected cats or by touching animals that have tularemia. The Minnesota Department of Health says that up to six human cases of tularemia are identified in Minnesota each year, but in 2025, five cases have been reported so far. Two people developed the illness after they were bitten by a tick. One was bitten by a stray cat and one was likely exposed while mowing the lawn. Health officials say they're working to determine the cause of the fifth case. Signs of tularemia in humans includes a sudden fever, skin wounds or ulcers, swollen lymph nodes, headaches and chills. The symptoms show up between three and 14 days after exposure. Pets can also contract tularemia, with symptoms of high fever, weakness, lack of appetite and ulcers. "It's important for pet owners to be aware of this disease in their pets, because it is possible for a person to become infected as well," said Maria Bye, a senior epidemiologist at the Minnesota Department of Health. In order to keep people safe, health recommend keeping cats indoors and not allow them to hunt small animals. They also say to give pets medication to prevent tick bites, use insect repellant, check the yard for rabbit nests or dead animals before mowing and avoid contact with wild animals that are sick or dead. Anyone bitten or scratched by an ill animal should call the health department at 651-201-5414 and contact their health care professional. If people are concerned about tularemia in their pets, officials recommend talking to a veterinarian.
CBS News
6 days ago
- CBS News
Fourth person sentenced to prison in connection with Minnesota's largest fentanyl bust
A judge on Wednesday sentenced a man to 10 years in prison for his role in a drug trafficking operation that led to the largest fentanyl bust in Minnesota history. Fo'Tre White's prison sentence will be followed by five years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty earlier this year to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. White is the fourth person in the operation to be sentenced. Five more defendants have pleaded guilty to charges related to the bust and are awaiting their sentencing hearings. White and eight others are accused of purchasing fentanyl pills from suppliers in Phoenix, hiding them inside stuffed animals and mailing them to addresses around the Twin Cities. To prevent detection from drug-sniffing dogs, the packages were allegedly lined with dog treats. In all, the pills had an estimated value of over $2.2 million. Fentanyl was involved in more than 90% of all opioid-related deaths and more than 60% of all overdose deaths in the state in 2022, according to data from the Minnesota Department of Health.
CBS News
13-06-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Most suicides in Minnesota occur in June, research shows
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Minnesota shared statistical data showing most suicides occur in June. "It is really nerve-wracking," said David Goehl-Manolis, a suicide prevention coordinator for NAMI Minnesota, who remembers seeing a family member in distress. "At the time, I thought I knew about mental illness, and my worry for my family member paralyzed me." A former school educator, he now aims to teach the public. "Some people think that the holiday season has the most number of suicides, and the summer, there's fewer. Statistics show it's the opposite," Goehl-Manolis said. He's referring to a 2023 University of Pennsylvania study. "From a suicide prevention perspective, I don't think 'why' is really important," Goehl-Manolis said when asked why he thinks that is. He also emphasized that there's no "safe" time of year when it comes to suicide. In a release last month, the Minnesota Department of Health says the suicide rate in Minnesota stayed about the same in 2024 when compared to 2023, according to preliminary data. "That has not happened in almost two decades. It seems to be plateauing," said Goehl-Manolis. The data also shows those under 25 in Minnesota are seeing lower suicide rates. "Talk with people. It's okay to talk with the person who is struggling," Goehl-Manolis said. "People can recover. There's always a light." If you or someone you know is in emotional distress, get help from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. Trained crisis counselors are available 24 hours a day to talk about anything. In addition, help is available from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI. Call the NAMI Helpline at 800-950-6264 or text "HelpLine" to 62640. There are more than 600 local NAMI organizations and affiliates across the country, many of which offer free support and education programs.
Axios
03-06-2025
- Health
- Axios
Minnesota officials warn of measles exposure at Mall of America
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.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Nickelodeon Universe visitors might've been exposed to measles, MDH warns
Nickelodeon Universe visitors might've been exposed to measles, MDH warns originally appeared on Bring Me The News. A Dakota County child infected with measles visited Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America in late May, state health officials said Monday. The Minnesota Department of Health said anyone at the theme park on Saturday, May 24 between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. "may have been exposed and should be aware of any symptoms that develop between May 31 and June 14." The measles case detected in the child is one of two new measles cases recently confirmed by MDH, the agency announced. The other person infected with measles is a Washington County adult who was exposed during domestic air travel outside of Minnesota, MDH said. That individual's vaccination status is unverified. The Dakota County child infected with measles is unvaccinated, but had not traveled outside of Minnesota in the last month. How they contracted measles is unknown. 'Anytime we confirm a case of measles unrelated to travel that has no known source it is worrying,' stated Jessica Hancock-Allen, director of the infectious diseases division at MDH. "This is because it could be a sign that measles is spreading in the community undetected by public health and healthcare systems. It is uncertain where the child was exposed and whether others may have been exposed." Health officials are urging families to ensure their children are up to date on their immunizations as measles cases are on the rise in the U.S. and globally. Minnesota recorded 70 cases of measles in 2024 – the highest number of cases seen since the 2017 outbreak involving unvaccinated children sickened 75. Over 730 measles cases nationally are linked to a major, ongoing outbreak in the West Texas. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has called for people to get the measles vaccine, but has also faced criticism for falsely claiming the vaccine hasn't been adequately tested and offers only short-lived protection. Children should receive two doses of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine—the first at 12 to 15 months of age and the second at 4 to 6 years of age, according to MDH. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are considered 97% effective at preventing measles. Measles spreads easily by coughing, talking or being in the same room with someone who has measles, which can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours. According to Mayo Clinic, measles incubates and spreads throughout the body without signs and symptoms for 10 to 14 days. Symptoms typically begin with fever, cough, runny nose, inflamed or watery eyes and a sore throat. The relatively mild phase of the illness lasts two-to-three days typically, with rash onset following. The rash consists of small, slightly-raised red spots and bumps in tight clusters, typically appearing on the face initially. Measles can be serious or deadly for all age groups, but it's particularly dangerous for children under the age of 5, adults over the age of 20, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems. According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, around one out of every four people who get measles in the United States require hospitalization. This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
