MONTCALM COUNTY, Mich. – A fourth measles case has been confirmed in Michigan this year, health officials announced.
This case was confirmed in a Montcalm County resident who recently traveled outside of the state, according to a release from the Mid-Michigan District Health Department (MMDHD) on April 9.
The health department is working with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to determine possible exposure locations.
“At MMDHD, we take action to protect, maintain, and improve the health of our community,” said MMDHD Health Officer Liz Braddock. “Measles is a serious disease, and we want to make sure that our residents are safe. If you have recently traveled to regions with known measles outbreaks, and you are not vaccinated against measles, you should consider getting vaccinated as quickly as you can. It is important to make sure you protect yourself and families from this vaccine-preventable disease.”
Symptoms
Symptoms usually appear seven to 14 days after contact with the virus, but can take up to 21 days to appear.
Those infected can spread measles before they notice symptoms. Common measles symptoms include the following:
- High fever (may spike to over 104°F)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums and roof of the mouth (Koplik Spots)
- A rash that starts as flat red spots on the face at the hairline, then spreads to the trunk, arms and legs three to five days after the symptoms begin. Small, raised bumps may also appear on top of the flat red spots.
You can find more information about measles on the state health department’s website.
Measles vaccine
Health officials say getting the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best way for residents to protect themselves against measles.
According to the CDC, two doses of the measles vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles if you’re exposed to the virus. One dose of the vaccine is believed to be about 93% effective. You are considered fully protected about two to three weeks after getting the vaccine
If someone who is not vaccinated is exposed to measles, getting the measles vaccine within 72 hours of exposure can help reduce the risk of developing measles, health officials said.
Anyone who has been vaccinated in Michigan can check the immunization portal to see if their records are available.
Other 2025 Michigan measles cases
The first measles case in Michigan this year was confirmed on Friday, March 14, in an Oakland County adult who had recently returned home from international travel.
The second case was confirmed in a Kent County adult who also recently traveled abroad and returned to the U.S., and had traveled between New Jersey and Michigan. Detroit Metro Airport was among the list of possible exposure sites. For more on when and where people could have been exposed in this case, visit here.
Health officials also confirmed a third case in a Macomb County adult last week, and said the person recently traveled to Ontario, Canada, which is experiencing a measles outbreak.
