Minnesota's measles outbreak is about to exceed the total number of cases reported in the entire United States last year, with no sign of slowing. Health officials worry that the start of the holy month of Ramadan, which began Friday night and brings Muslims together in prayer and festivities, will accelerate the spread of the highly infectious and potentially deadly disease, which is plaguing the close-knit Somali American community.
Minnesota health officials are working closely with faith leaders in an unprecedented effort to spread the message that parents should get their children vaccinated and keep them home if they show symptoms of the disease. It's the first time imams in the United States have taken such an active role in a public health crisis, health officials and Somali Americans said.
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