Great Lakes Wire

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Macomb County Health Department (MCHD) have reported a newly identified case of measles in a child from Macomb County, marking the state's sixth case in 2024. The child was diagnosed on July 3, with the source of exposure currently under investigation. There is no known international travel linked to this case.

“Preventing measles is simple – all residents should get vaccinated to prevent this disease,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “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.”

Michigan residents are encouraged to contact their health care providers or visit local health departments for information on obtaining the vaccine and scheduling appointments. Children eligible for the Vaccines for Children program may receive the vaccine from an enrolled provider.

MDHHS and MCHD are alerting the public about potential exposures in parts of Southeast Michigan between June 24 and July 2. The measles virus can remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. Potential exposure sites include:

- 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.

MCHD is conducting contact tracing to identify other exposure sites within this period. Notified staff members at Motel 6 and Children’s Hospital locations are undergoing health monitoring by local health departments.

Individuals who believe they were exposed at these locations should contact their health care provider or MCHD at 586-783-8190 for vaccination information and health guidance. Those potentially exposed should monitor for symptoms such as fever, respiratory illness, or rash for up to 21 days. If symptoms develop, individuals are advised to call ahead before visiting a doctor or emergency room so that precautions can be taken.

Measles is a highly contagious disease spread through direct person-to-person contact and via airborne transmission. It is so contagious that 90% of unvaccinated people exposed will become infected. Symptoms typically begin seven to fourteen days after exposure but can appear up to twenty-one days later and include high fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes (conjunctivitis), tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik Spots), and a red blotchy rash starting on the face then spreading.

For more information on measles in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/Measles.

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