6th Measles Case Confirmed In MI: Here Are Exposure Sites

MACOMB COUNTY, MI — A child in Macomb County has been diagnosed with the measles, making it the sixth confirmed case in Michigan this year, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said Friday.

Officials are investigating the child's exposure, which was diagnosed on July 3. There is no known international travel associated with the case, according to officials.

Officials warned individuals who were present at the following places between June 24 through July 2 may have been exposed:

• Motel 6, 8300 Chicago Road, Warren, June 26.
• Children’s Hospital of Michigan Troy Emergency Room,350 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, June 30, from 1:30 to 4 p.m.

The Macomb County Health Department is conducting contact tracing to identify other exposure sites within that time frame.

If you believe you were exposed at one of these locations, contact your health care provider or MCHD at 586-783-8190 for vaccination information and health guidance.

"Preventing measles is simple – all residents should get vaccinated to prevent this disease," said MDHHS Chief Medical Executive Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian said. "Vaccination can prevent illness and provide peace of mind in case you or your family member is exposed. As we get ready for back-to-school season, now is a great time to check with your health care provider to make sure you are current with all your vaccines."

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, officials said.

The measles vaccine is highly effective and very safe. A single dose of measles vaccine is about 93 percent effective at preventing measles, while two doses are about 97 percent effective. It is also effective if used within 72 hours of a measles exposure to prevent illness.

The increase in cases come as federal officials said routine childhood vaccine exemptions in Michigan, as well as 40 other states, have reached an all-time high. Data also shows a declining rate for measles vaccinations for Michigan kindergarteners, as coverage for the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine for children 4 to 6 years old decreased from 89.4 percent in 2017 to 84 percent in 2022.

Federal health officials warned earlier this year that measles cases are on the rise both domestically and globally, with 58 confirmed cases in 17 states, including Michigan, in the first three months of the year.