MI Health Officials Confirm Measles Outbreak: What To Know

MICHIGAN — Michigan health officials on Thursday confirmed a measles outbreak in Montcalm County. It is the state's first outbreak since 2019, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

Health officials said there are three measles cases on record so far this year in Montcalm County, bringing the total number of cases in Michigan to seven.

Officials define an outbreak as three or more related cases.

"This outbreak underscores how contagious measles is and how quickly it can spread," Chief Medical Executive Natasha Bagdasarian said. "The MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine remains our best defense, and two doses of MMR offer 97% protection against measles. We urge all Michigan residents to check their vaccination records to ensure they are up to date with the MMR vaccine."

Officials said the outbreak in Montcalm County was initially linked to a large, ongoing outbreak in Ontario, Canada. As of Thursday afternoon, they have not identified any public exposure sites related to the outbreak.

The cases reported in the Montcalm County outbreak are not related to any of the other confirmed cases in Michigan, including in Kent, Macomb and Oakland counties, health officials said.

Officials did not release any other information related to the outbreak.

Officials say measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease that is spread by direct person-to-person contact and through the air. Anyone who is not immune to measles is at risk.

Symptoms of measles usually begin within seven to 14 days after exposure and can appear up to 21 days after exposure. They include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, tiny white spots on the inner cheeks and rashes.

If symptoms develop, residents are urged to not visit their doctor or emergency room unless they have called ahead so facilities can take precautions to prevent exposure to other people.

Officials say the best protection against measles is the MMR vaccine, which provides long-lasting protection against the virus. They strongly encourage individuals ages 1 year and older who have not received the MMR vaccine to protect themselves and others.

Vaccines are available at your doctor’s office, most pharmacies and your local health department. Children eligible for the Vaccines for Children program can receive no-cost vaccination from a provider enrolled in that program.