This week, we’re covering a viral post that questioned why grandparents need to get vaccinated against whooping cough. Many Minnesotans warned about how serious whooping cough can be, while others raised doubts about the vaccine’s effectiveness.
We’re also following conversations around a new COVID-19 variant and its symptoms.
But first, Minnesotans shared concerns about measles after two measles cases were reported in early June, including a child who visited the Mall of America on May 24.
Topic 1
Measles cases spark debate about community safety
What’s happening:
In early June, the Minnesota Department of Health confirmed two new measles cases. One involved an unvaccinated child who visited the Mall of America, leading to a public exposure warning. A third new case was also later confirmed, bringing the state’s total to five cases as of June 10.
Many people were worried about measles exposure, urged others to get vaccinated, and expressed frustration with those who refuse the MMR vaccine.
Others spread false claims that measles isn’t serious and shared myths about vaccine safety. Some also had questions about their own vaccination status and what to do after exposure.
Why this matters:
Measles is a serious disease that spreads easily, especially among unvaccinated children. Recent conversations show that many Minnesotans have questions about how dangerous measles is and what to do if they’re exposed.
Helpful messaging to share right now:
Measles is a highly contagious disease that can cause serious problems like pneumonia, brain swelling, or even death.
Getting two doses of the MMR vaccine is the best way to stay safe from measles.
Local news reported on a new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1 or Nimbus, nicknamed “razor-blade throat” because some people experience severe sore throats.
Online, some users falsely claimed it was “just strep throat,” mocked COVID-19 vaccines, and said they weren’t worried about the new variant. Others promoted disproven treatments like ivermectin and criticized past stay-at-home orders.
Why this matters:
COVID-19 often spikes during the summer, and the new variant—Nimbus (NB.1.8.1)—could help drive a new wave. Staying alert to new symptoms and trends can help Minnesotans stay safe.
Helpful messaging to share right now:
The new COVID-19 variant may cause a painful sore throat. Other symptoms include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, and loss of taste or smell.
COVID-19 vaccines are the best way to stay protected against all variants.
Ask your health care provider about whether you should get a dose of the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine this summer.
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Suggested caption:
A new COVID-19 variant, called Nimbus or the “razor-blade variant,” is spreading in the U.S. this summer. It’s not more severe than past variants, but many people are reporting a sore throat that really hurts. If you’re feeling sick, stay home and take care. Vaccines still help protect against serious illness, and if you haven’t had a COVID-19 shot in a while, talk to your doctor to make sure you’re protected.
Viral post sparks discussion about whooping cough vaccines for adults
What’s happening:
An Indiana-based social media user with more than 60,000 followers on X shared frustration after learning that he was not allowed to visit his newborn granddaughter without a whooping cough booster (Tdap vaccine). His post got over 5 million views and many comments, including from people in Minnesota.
Some commenters warned that whooping cough can be deadly for babies and stressed that family members should get vaccinated to protect them.
Others, however, falsely claimed that whooping cough isn’t dangerous, that adults aren’t at risk, and that the vaccine isn’t needed or effective.
Why this matters:
Whooping cough is spreading in Minnesota, with nearly 900 cases reported this year as of June 18. Many adults may not realize they should get vaccinated before being around babies who haven’t had their shots yet.
Helpful messaging to share right now:
Babies under 1 are at high risk of whooping cough. About one in three infants who get whooping cough will need hospital care. It can cause serious breathing problems, pneumonia, or even death.
Babies get their first whooping cough vaccine (DTaP) at 2 months. Until then, they rely on others to be vaccinated.
Most babies catch whooping cough from siblings, parents, or adults who don’t know they’re sick. Adults should stay up to date on their Tdap vaccine before being around babies.
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Suggested caption:
Babies under 1 are at high risk of getting seriously sick from whooping cough. They often catch it from siblings, parents, or grandparents who don’t know they’re sick.
Staying up to date on your Tdap vaccine protects you and helps keep little ones safe.
Ivermectin, a medicine used to treat parasites, has been disproven as a treatment for COVID-19 or cancer, despite false claims online. Share this story with community members so they can understand the risks of ivermectin.
Public Good News is a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to community health. We partner with trusted local voices throughout the U.S. to distribute accurate, accessible, and inclusive health news in English and Spanish.
