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Wright County HHS reports varicella, measles and pertussis case counts; outlines refugee health follow‑up
Summary
At its May 11 meeting HHS staff reported 29 varicella cases in Wright County so far this year (59 last year), 3 pertussis cases this year (25 in 2025; 220 in 2024), and 17 measles cases; staff also described how refugee and Class B immigrant health follow‑up and TB treatment are handled locally.
Tina Prior of Wright County Disease Prevention & Control briefed the Public Health Task Force on May 11 about recent vaccine‑preventable disease activity and how the county supports newly arriving refugees and certain immigrant clients.
"Right now, in Wright County we have had 29 cases," Prior said when reporting current varicella (chickenpox) counts; she added that Wright County recorded 59 varicella cases last year. Prior gave pertussis figures: three cases this year compared with 25 in 2025 and 220 in 2024. She reported 17 measles cases in Wright County this year and noted the statewide 2025 total was 26.
Prior explained that the county notifies and works with the Minnesota Department of Health to investigate vaccine‑preventable diseases, and that the state typically leads investigations while the county provides support and local data. She described refugee health procedures: the county is notified by the state when a refugee arrives, offers help establishing care with a local doctor, and provides resources including links to financial aid; the county also manages TB clients by providing daily medication when required.
Prior cautioned that some vaccination coverage is lower in parts of the county, which contributes to local outbreaks. Staff did not provide RSV or infant vaccine numbers at the meeting.
The task force listed C&TC (Child & Teen Checkup) and a final legislative overview as agenda items for its June 8 meeting.
