Health officials have confirmed the first case of measles in Michigan for 2025. On Friday, Mar. 14, evening, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Oakland County Health Division confirmed an adult case of measles in Oakland County. This is the first confirmed case of measles in Michigan this year since July 2024. The officials said the infected individual had recent overseas travel and the vaccination status is unknown.
“This case of measles is a reminder of how easily this highly contagious disease can spread, particularly with international travel,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive in a statement.
Oakland County Health Officer Kate Guzmán stated that the period of infectiousness is March 3 to March 11. The infected person exhibited a rash on March 7 and sought medical care on March 8 and 10. Guzmán added that the period of infectiousness begins four days before the rash shows and four days after it starts. Guzmán advised that individuals who develop symptoms should avoid visiting their doctor or the emergency room without calling ahead. By informing ahead, they can take precautions to prevent exposure to other individuals.
The official also reminded that vaccination is the ‘best defense’ against measles and is ‘highly efficient’ at protecting individuals and preventing outbreaks.
“We urge Michigan residents, especially those planning to travel, to check their vaccination status and get the MMR vaccine if needed. Contact your health care provider as soon as possible if symptoms develop,” Dr. Bagdasarian added.
Officials identified potential exposure sites, which include:
- Kruse and Muer on Main 327 S Main Street, Rochester, Michigan, on March 3 between 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
- Henry Ford Rochester Hospital Emergency Department, 1101 West University Drive, Rochester, Michigan, on March 8, from 3:40 a.m. to March 9 at 9:32 a.m.
- Henry Ford Rochester Hospital Emergency Department, 1101 West University Drive, Rochester, Michigan, on March 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
According to the CDC, as of Mar. 14, the number of measles cases in the US is 301 in 15 jurisdictions – Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York State, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont, and Washington. 1 death has been confirmed from measles in the US this year, and one is currently under investigation.
Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. It spreads easily when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. It can cause severe disease, complications, and even death. Measles can affect anyone but is most common in children. If one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected.
Symptoms
- High fever (may spike to more than 104° F)
- Cough
- Runny nose (coryza)
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Rash
The CDC, and WHO recommend vaccination to prevent the disease.
Why are the measles cases rising?
Though measles was declared eliminated in the US in 2000. According to CDC, this was due to the high percentage of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination.
However, in recent years more activity has been reported in the US. The health agency cites that this could be due o declining vaccination rates. The vaccination coverage among kindergarteners has dropped below the 95% target necessary for herd immunity. In some communities have even lower vaccination rates have been reported, which has increased the risk of outbreaks.
Another reason is increased measles activity across the globe, which means more chances of an unvaccinated person infected with measles abroad returning to the United States.