A measles outbreak has hit the midwestern state of Minnesota, with 50 cases reported in recent weeks. Health officials say at least 45 cases were among children in the Somali-American community in the city of Minneapolis. Nearly all of those affected were not vaccinated against measles. Measles is a serious disease that can cause breathing problems, brain swelling, or even death. It spreads very easily among unvaccinated people. U.S. health officials recommend that all children receive a combined vaccine to protect against measles, mumps and rubella. This combination vaccine is called MMR. But many parents in the Somali community oppose vaccinations because they believe they can cause a child to develop autism.
