Measles outbreak confirmed in Michigan
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LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed a measles outbreak in Washtenaw County.
An outbreak is defined as three or more related cases of measles in one county.
Three linked cases have been reported since March 12, all in Washtenaw County.
The Washtenaw County Health Department says the cases were linked to someone who visited Florida and that there are no new public exposure sites in Michigan.
There have been 1,350 cases of measles in 31 states in 2026.
“Measles cases are spreading like wildfire this year, and with families traveling over spring break the risk of exposure increases,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s chief medical executive.
“In this case, what happens on spring break does not stay on spring break. Measles is incredibly transmissible and can easily travel home with us, infecting others in our schools and communities. The MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine remains our best defense, and two doses of MMR offer 97% protection against measles. We urge all Michigan residents to check their vaccination records to ensure they are up to date with the MMR vaccine.”
The first case of measles in Michigan was identified in Washtenaw County last week. The second was identified just days later in the same county.
BACKGROUND:
Health officials say vaccine rates have continued to decline, leaving more people vulnerable to measles.
Measles is a contagious, vaccine-preventable disease that spreads through person-to-person contact and the air.
Symptoms include:
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 symptoms begin. Small, raised bumps may also appear on top of the flat red spots.
Anyone who may have been exposed or develops symptoms is urged to immediately call their healthcare provider before seeking treatment or testing.
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