Fear in Minnesota's Somali community deepens, hampering progress on measles vaccination

Public health officials say a measles crisis has long been brewing in Minnesota. For years, the state's large Somali community has been fertile ground for the myth that the measles vaccine causes autism. Data show autism rates in Somali 4-year-olds are high. Researchers don’t know why. Many here blame the measles, mumps and rubella shot. It's one injection proven to safely protect against the three viruses. The first dose is recommended at 12 to 15 months old. Many Somali parents wait until age 5, though there's no scientific evidence backing that approach. Before federal immigration authorities launched a crackdown in Minneapolis, immunization advocates noted small victories. But they say now, with many families afraid, progress has been lost.