Sixth measles case of the year confirmed in Michigan

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed another positive case of the measles — the sixth one found in the state this year.

MDHHS says the latest case is a child from Macomb County. Investigators are still trying to figure out where the child would have been exposed to the virus. The child has not traveled outside of the country during the exposure window.

This is the first case in Macomb County this year, although all of them are in the Metro Detroit area. Two other cases have been confirmed in Wayne County and in Washtenaw County, along with one case in Oakland County.

The latest diagnosis is part of an upswing in cases of a disease that was once considered eradicated after a safe and effective vaccine was released. But a dip in vaccination rates allowed the virus to return. According to the MDHHS, vaccination rates in Michigan have dropped even more following the COVID-19 pandemic. The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine rate for kids aged 4 to 6 years old has dropped from 89.4% in 2017 to 84% in 2022.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that is spread through the air and direct person-to-person contact. The virus can live for up to two hours in the air where the infected person was present.

Symptoms typically start within seven to 14 days of exposure but can appear up to three weeks after initial exposure. Symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. It also comes with a signature rash that is red, raised and blotchy. It typically starts on the face before spreading to the torso, arms and legs. The disease commonly causes tiny white spots on the inside of the mouth two to three days after initial symptoms.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 167 cases have already been reported this year across 24 states. Nearly half of all known cases are in children younger than 5. Of the 167 cases, 84% of them were either unvaccinated or their vaccination status is unknown. Only in 5% of the cases did the patients have both MMR doses.

The MDHHS recommends everyone at least 12 months old take the vaccine to protect themselves and those around them.

“Preventing measles is simple — all residents should get vaccinated to prevent this disease,” Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive of the MDHHS, said in a statement. “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.”

The vaccine is considered both highly effective and very safe and takes effect within 72 hours of a potential measles exposure. Michigan residents are encouraged to contact their doctor or their local health department for ways to schedule an appointment to get the vaccine.

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