Great Lakes Wire

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Oakland County Health Division have confirmed the first measles case in Michigan for 2025. The case involves an adult from Oakland County who recently traveled overseas, with their vaccination status currently unknown. This marks the first measles case in the state since July 2024.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that can be prevented through vaccination. It spreads via direct contact or through the air. MDHHS advises individuals aged one year and older who are unvaccinated to receive the measles vaccine.

"This case of measles is a reminder of how easily this highly contagious disease can spread, particularly with international travel," stated Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. She emphasized that "vaccination remains our best defense against measles" and urged residents to verify their vaccination status, especially if they plan to travel.

Potential exposure sites include Kruse & Muer on Main in Rochester on March 3 and Henry Ford Rochester Hospital Emergency Department on March 8-9 and March 10. Additional exposure sites may be identified as more information becomes available.

For those exposed after March 10, Immune Globulin (Ig) treatment within six days is recommended for high-risk individuals such as pregnant women or those with weakened immune systems due to conditions like diabetes or HIV.

Kate Guzmán, health officer for Oakland County, stressed the importance of vaccination: "Unvaccinated individuals need to get vaccinated." She advised contacting healthcare providers if symptoms develop and calling ahead before visiting doctors or emergency rooms to prevent further exposure.

Measles symptoms typically appear 7-14 days after exposure but can take up to 21 days. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, Koplik spots inside the mouth, and a red rash starting on the face before spreading.

The MMR vaccine is available at various locations including health care providers' offices, Oakland County Health Division offices in Southfield and Pontiac, and many pharmacies. Clinic hours vary throughout the week.

For more information about measles or vaccinations, visit www.oakgov.com/health or contact Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 during specified hours. Updates are also available via @publichealthOC on social media platforms Facebook and X.