CHICAGO, May 11 (Xinhua) -- A total of 51 cases of measles have been confirmed in the Midwest state of Minnesota as of May 10, with the majority occurring in unvaccinated children.
According to Minnesota Department of Health, 47 of the patients had not been vaccinated, and 48 cases are children under 17.
Doctors say measles can lead to a number of complications, such as pneumonia, swelling of the brain and even death.
Health officials in Minnesota and neighboring states have warned residents to make sure immunizations are up to date for their children and themselves.
It is reportedly the largest outbreak of measles in over two decades in Minnesota. Official statistics show that from 2007 to 2016, only a total of 56 cases were reported in the Midwest state.
Local media said the latest outbreak appeared to have started in an immigrant community, where vaccine skepticism prevails.
