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Michigan is experiencing its first measles outbreak since 2019, with confirmed cases in Montcalm County. Health officials announced on Thursday (April 17) that three related cases in Montcalm County meet the criteria for an outbreak. These cases are linked to a larger outbreak in Ontario, Canada, but are not connected to other cases in Michigan, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
In total, seven measles cases have been confirmed in Michigan this year, with one each in Oakland, Kent, Macomb, and Ingham counties. The Montcalm County cases are believed to be linked to travel-related exposures.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads through direct contact and airborne transmission. Symptoms typically appear seven to 14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash. Health officials urge those who suspect exposure to contact their healthcare provider before seeking treatment to prevent further spread.
Vaccination remains the best defense against measles. The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is 97% effective with two doses. Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan's chief medical executive, emphasized the importance of vaccination, stating, "This outbreak underscores how contagious measles is and how quickly it can spread."
Nationwide, there have been 712 confirmed cases of measles across 25 states, with most cases in Texas. Health officials continue to stress the importance of vaccination to prevent further outbreaks.