Jean Ingersoll Chief Administrative Officer | Michigan Department of Health & Human Services Website
Jean Ingersoll Chief Administrative Officer | Michigan Department of Health & Human Services Website
Health officials in Michigan have reported a measles outbreak in Montcalm County, marking the state's first outbreak of the disease since 2019. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Mid-Michigan District Health Department (MMDHD) confirmed three related cases in Montcalm County, which currently contributes to a total of seven confirmed cases in the state for the year 2025.
"This outbreak underscores how contagious measles is and how quickly it can spread,” according to Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, the chief medical executive. She emphasized the importance of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, stating, "The MMR vaccine remains our best defense, and two doses of MMR offer 97% protection against measles."
The origin of the outbreak has been linked to a larger ongoing outbreak in Ontario, Canada, but there are no new public exposure sites identified in Michigan. Public records indicate these latest cases in Montcalm County are unrelated to other confirmed instances in other parts of the state. Due to privacy concerns, further details regarding the individuals involved in this outbreak will not be disclosed.
Measles is a contagious and preventable disease, transmitted through direct contact and airborne spread. Symptoms appear between seven to 14 days after contracting the virus and include high fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, and a rash. Individuals who suspect exposure or develop symptoms are advised to contact healthcare providers before seeking treatment to minimize exposure to others.
Officials strongly advocate for the MMR vaccine as the most effective protection against measles. The vaccine is readily accessible at various locations, including doctors' offices, pharmacies, and local health departments. The Vaccines for Children program offers no-cost vaccinations to eligible children through participating providers.
People vaccinated before 1968 may have received a less effective vaccine version and are advised to consult with healthcare providers about additional doses.
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