A Hennepin County outbreak of childhood measles now includes eight cases, after five more cases were confirmed by the Minnesota Department of Health.

The department said Friday that all eight cases are unvaccinated children between the ages of 1 and 4.

Investigators are trying to trace the infections and protect others who may have been exposed. Seven of the confirmed cases are Somali-American children, and all but one have common contact. Six of the children were hospitalized.

“Measles can spread easily among unvaccinated people, and we’re working with the Somali community in the Twin Cities to alert people to the outbreak,” Infectious Disease Division director Kris Ehresmann said in a Friday statement. “The best way to protect yourself and your community is to make sure everyone has been vaccinated.”

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Bloomington man charged with murdering wife, shooting 2 neighbors, including critically injured girl, 12 Measles is a serious disease that can lead to death. Declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, Minnesota and other states see sporadic cases, typically linked to international travel.

The Health Department said measles vaccination rates have declined in some communities because of fears related to misinformation about vaccine risks.

“This outbreak is about unvaccinated children, not specific communities,” Health Commissioner Ed Ehlinger said in the statement. “Unfortunately, the Minnesota Somali community has been targeted with misinformation about vaccine risks. We’re partnering with Somali community leaders and health care providers to counteract that misinformation. We want as many Minnesotans as possible to protect themselves and their families by getting vaccinated.”

The department has more information about measles at its website.