Minnesota is seeing an increase in measles cases, with Dakota County reporting three new infections, bringing the state total to 20.

State health officials say the latest cases involve unvaccinated children who likely contracted the virus from an unvaccinated adult.

The CDC reports an average of 27 new measles cases each week nationwide since late August, with more than 1,500 cases so far this year the highest annual total since measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000.

Cases have been reported in 41 states and the District of Columbia. The cases have resulted in the deaths of at least three people and have left 193 hospitalized. An alarming 92% of the cases were found in unvaccinated individuals, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Health officials

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