Erica Zurek

Missoula

Journalist and Photographer at Freelance

Senior health reporter @mprnews • Words, voice, sound: @KFFHealthNews @hereandnow @mtpublicradio and elsewhere

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Articles

Two new measles cases confirmed in Minnesota, including exposure at Mall of America

3 days ago | mankatofreepress.com | Erica Zurek

The Minnesota Department of Health confirmed two new cases of measles in the Twin Cities metro area Monday. The cases are unrelated; one involved community exposure at the Mall of America. These are the third and fourth confirmed cases of measles in Minnesota in 2025. Investigators from the health department said an unvaccinated child from Dakota County who had not traveled outside of Minnesota in the past month and had no known exposure was infected.
Two new measles cases confirmed in Minnesota, including exposure at Mall of America

4 days ago | mprnews.org | Erica Zurek

The Minnesota Department of Health confirmed two new cases of measles in the Twin Cities metro area Monday. The cases are unrelated; one involved community exposure at the Mall of America. These are the third and fourth confirmed cases of measles in Minnesota in 2025. Investigators from the health department said an unvaccinated child from Dakota County who had not traveled outside of Minnesota in the past month and had no known exposure was infected.
Minnesota veterans with PTSD turn to the outdoors to improve mental health

6 days ago | twincities.com | Erica Zurek

Nothing could stop Sandi Braunstein from carving her way down a ski run at Snowmass Resort in Colorado. She glided over the snow alongside her two coaches, Jeff and Erik, who were there to instruct and support her as she made turns down the mountain. Braunstein uses a bi-sit ski, which consists of a molded seat mounted on a frame with two skis underneath. This adaptive equipment is designed for people who ski in a seated position and might have difficulty balancing on traditional skis.
Minnesota veterans with PTSD turn to the outdoors to improve mental health

1 week ago | inforum.com | Erica Zurek

Nothing could stop Sandi Braunstein from carving her way down a ski run at Snowmass Resort in Colorado. She glided over the snow alongside her two coaches, Jeff and Erik, who were there to instruct and support her as she made turns down the mountain. Braunstein uses a bi-sit ski, which consists of a molded seat mounted on a frame with two skis underneath. This adaptive equipment is designed for people who ski in a seated position and might have difficulty balancing on traditional skis.
Veteran mental health, PTSD improvements through outdoor recreation

1 week ago | mprnews.org | Erica Zurek

Nothing could stop Sandi Braunstein from carving her way down a ski run at Snowmass Resort in Colorado. She glided over the snow alongside her two coaches, Jeff and Erik, who were there to instruct and support her as she made turns down the mountain. Braunstein uses a bi-sit ski, which consists of a molded seat mounted on a frame with two skis underneath. This adaptive equipment is designed for people who ski in a seated position and might have difficulty balancing on traditional skis.
Suicide rate in Minnesota for 2024 similar to ’23

2 weeks ago | twincities.com | Erica Zurek

Deaths by suicide in Minnesota and across the country have been increasing over the past two decades. However, a new report from the Minnesota Department of Health indicates that for the second consecutive year, the number of suicides in the state has fallen below the peak levels reached in 2022. The rate of increase may be slowing down, said Stefan Gingerich, senior epidemiologist at the health department who specializes in suicide.
Suicide rate in Minnesota remains below record highs for second year

2 weeks ago | inforum.com | Erica Zurek

ST. PAUL — Deaths by suicide in Minnesota and across the country have been increasing over the past two decades. However, a new report from the Minnesota Department of Health indicates that for the second consecutive year, the number of suicides in the state has fallen below the peak levels reached in 2022. The rate of increase may be slowing down, said Stefan Gingerich, senior epidemiologist at the health department who specializes in suicide.
Medtronic lays off employees at Coon Rapids research lab

3 weeks ago | mprnews.org | Erica Zurek

Medtronic, a Minnesota medical technology company, laid off employees Wednesday at the company’s Physiological Research Laboratories in Coon Rapids, Minn. An employee who works at the lab confirmed the layoffs. He said about 20 people were let go Wednesday morning, and he was laid off later in the day. He asked to remain anonymous.
Suicide rate in Minnesota remains below record highs for second year

3 weeks ago | mprnews.org | Erica Zurek

Create an account or log in to save stories. Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories. Deaths by suicide in Minnesota and across the country have been increasing over the past two decades. However, a new report from the Minnesota Department of Health indicates that for the second consecutive year, the number of suicides in the state has fallen below the peak levels reached in 2022.
Measles cases rise to 11 in North Dakota after two new infections reported in Cass County

3 weeks ago | mprnews.org | Erica Zurek

The North Dakota Health and Human Services Department reported two newcases of measles in eastern Cass County over the weekend, increasing the state’s total number of infections to 11. Both individuals who contracted measles were unvaccinated and caught the virus while travelling internationally. One of the individuals is currently hospitalized. Two Essentia Health clinics in the Fargo area were exposed to the virus.