Measles outbreak confirmed in Michigan, along with 7 other US states
Michigan is facing a measles outbreak, with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Oakland County Health Division confirming the first case in Oakland County on March 14. This was followed by a separate outbreak in Montcalm County, with three confirmed cases announced on April 17. This marks the first measles outbreak in Michigan since 2019, with a total of eight cases reported across the state in 2025.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines an outbreak as an incidence of three or more cases sharing a common source of infection. Measles outbreaks have also been identified in seven other states this year, including Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and California, according to the respective state health departments.
As of April 10, 2025, the CDC has confirmed a total of 712 measles cases nationwide. Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive, emphasized the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of measles. She stated that the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine remains the best defense, with two doses offering 97% protection against measles. Bagdasarian urged Michigan residents to ensure their vaccination records are up-to-date with the MMR vaccine.
The Montcalm County outbreak has been linked to a larger outbreak in Ontario, Canada. The MDHHS confirmed that as of April 17, there are no new public exposure sites to report. Measles is highly contagious, especially among unvaccinated individuals, with most cases occurring in unvaccinated school-aged children.
Common symptoms of measles include fever, cough, red and watery eyes, runny nose, and a rash that starts on the face and spreads to the body. Symptoms typically appear seven to 14 days after exposure. The MDHHS emphasized that vaccination is the best way to prevent infection and encouraged individuals aged 1 year and older who have not received the MMR vaccine to do so promptly.
Vaccines are readily available at doctor’s offices, pharmacies, and local health departments. It is crucial for individuals to protect themselves and others by getting vaccinated. For more health-related articles, you can visit www.foxnews.com/health.
In conclusion, measles outbreaks continue to pose a significant public health concern, highlighting the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Stay informed, stay protected, and prioritize your health and well-being.
