LANSING (WWJ) -- Health officials are reminding Michiganders about the importance of getting vaccinated as the state records its first measles case in several years.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) on Friday announced it has confirmed a case of measles in an Oakland County child, who is believed to have contracted the virus while traveling internationally.
This is the first confirmed case of measles in the state since 2019, health officials said Friday.
MDHHS is recommending that everyone in Michigan ages 1 year and older who is not yet vaccinated get their measles vaccination to protect themselves and those around them.
Officials did not release any further information about the infected child, including age, gender, school, or city of residence.
MDHHS said it is working closely with the Oakland County Health Division on this case, and at this time there are not thought to be additional exposures outside of the household based on when symptoms began.
"Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect ourselves and our loved ones from potential outbreaks of diseases like measles," said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. "It is important to make sure our families are up to date on all routine vaccines to prevent the spread of severe illness and disease. Now is a great time to check with your health care provider to make sure you are current with all your vaccines."
Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease that is spread by direct person-to-person contact, and through the air.
The virus can live for up to two hours in the air where the infected person was present. Symptoms of measles usually begin 7-14 days after exposure, but can appear up to 21 days after exposure and may include:
High fever (may spike to over 104˚F).Cough.Runny nose.Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis).Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums and roof of the mouth (Koplik Spots) two to three days after symptoms begin.A rash that is red, raised, blotchy; usually starts on face, spreads to trunk, arms and legs three to five days after symptoms begin.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 individuals.
With the risk for community spread, parents are encouraged to make sure their children are up to date on all their childhood immunizations, including the measles vaccine. Ninety percent of unvaccinated individuals who are exposed to measles will become infected. About one in five people who get measles will be hospitalized. In addition to Michigan's case, 35 measles cases have been reported in 2024 in 15 other states to date.
Across the United States, health officials say routine immunization coverage has dropped. Statewide, vaccine coverage for the MMR (two doses) vaccine for children ages 4 to 6 years old has decreased from 89.4% in 2017 to 84% in 2022. For children ages 19 through 35 months of age, vaccine coverage has decreased from 84.7% in April 2020 to 83.6% in December 2023.
The measles vaccine is "highly effective and very safe," according to the health department. A single dose of measles vaccine is about 93% effective at preventing measles, while two doses are about 97% effective. It is also effective if used within 72 hours of a measles exposure to prevent illness, MDHHS said. However, some individuals with weakened immune systems may not be eligible to receive the vaccine. Getting vaccinated not only protects the individual receiving the vaccine but can also protect vulnerable individuals in our communities from being exposed to this illness.
Michigan residents can contact their health care provider or visit their local health department for more l information on ways to obtain the vaccine and schedule an appointment. Children eligible for the Vaccines for Children program may receive the vaccine from a provider enrolled in that program.
To learn more about the MMR vaccine, visit Vaccine for Measles (MMR Shot) | CDC.
For more information about Measles cases in the U.S., visit Measles Cases and Outbreaks | CDC.
