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May 7, 2026, 7:44 a.m. ET
Two more people in Ottawa County have contracted measles after being exposed to a person contagious with the virus in the same home, health officials announced May 6.
All three people with measles infections in Ottawa County stayed home after the virus was identified, which means there are no new public exposure sites to report.
Because there are now three epidemiologically linked measles cases in Ottawa County, it now is considered Michigan’s second measles outbreak of 2026.
Two new cases of measles were confirmed in Ottawa County this week – both tied to a person whose infection with the highly contagious but vaccine-preventable virus was identified April 21.
“All three people live in the same household,” the Ottawa County Department of Public Health announced Wednesday, May 6. “The two newly confirmed cases were already being monitored … and they stayed home throughout the time they could have spread measles.”
That means there are no public exposure sites to report.
“Since the first case was identified, this has been a team effort,” said Dr. Gwendolyn Unzicker, medical director of the county health department, in a statement. County health leaders worked with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to contact those who might have been exposed in the home.
“We’re grateful to this family and to our community partners for the proactive collaboration that made this response possible. The family’s commitment to staying home during the monitoring period is one reason we have no public exposure sites to announce today.”
Because the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines an outbreak as three or more epidemiologically linked measles cases, it also means that Ottawa County is now the center of Michigan’s second outbreak of the year.
The state’s first outbreak of 2026 began March 11 in Washtenaw County, when an unvaccinated person became sick after returning from a trip to Florida. As the month progressed, that case was linked to six others.
As of May 4, however, the Washtenaw County Health Department declared that outbreak over.
Statewide, as of May 6, there have been 12 confirmed measles cases in Michigan in Washtenaw, Ottawa, Monroe and Macomb counties.
The CDC reports that as of April 30, there have been 1,814 measles cases in 37 states and territories this year — with Florida, South Carolina, Texas and Utah among those hardest hit. Of them:
72% were among children and teens ages 19 and younger.
92% were unvaccinated for measles or their immunization status was unknown.
6% were hospitalized.
What are measles symptoms?
According to the CDC, measles symptoms typically start within seven to 14 days of exposure, but also have been known to appear as long as 21 days after initial exposure and can include:
Fever, which may rise above 104 degrees.
Respiratory symptoms such as runny nose, cough.
Red, watery eyes that can develop into pink eye or conjunctivitis.
Two to three days after symptoms begin, tiny white spots, known as Koplik spots, may develop on the inner cheeks, gums and roof of the mouth.
Three to five days after symptoms begin, a rash that is red, raised and blotchy appears. It usually begins on the face and spreads to the trunk, arms and legs.
Who is considered immune to measles?
In recent years, routine immunization coverage for vaccines, including the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine has dropped in Michigan and across the United States. That makes more people vulnerable to this virus, which can cause severe illness, hearing loss, hospitalization, brain swelling, pneumonia and even death.
Statewide, only 66% of children ages 4-6 have had the recommended two doses of the MMR vaccine. That’s down from 89% in 2017, according to the state health department.
A single dose of the MMR vaccine is about 93% effective at preventing measles, while two doses are about 97% effective.
A person is considered immune to measles if they can provide documentation that:
They have received two doses of the MMR vaccine.
They are a preschool age child who has received one dose of the MMR vaccine.
They have had a previous confirmed case of measles.
They were born before 1957.
The CDC reports that at least 95% of the population must be fully vaccinated or otherwise immune to measles to prevent outbreaks.
Some people may be unaware they need another dose of the MMR vaccine.
If you were vaccinated before 1968, there is a possibility that you received a less-effective version of the vaccine. Additionally, people who were vaccinated before 1989 may have received only one dose of the MMR vaccine.
If you fall into either of these categories, or if you are unsure whether you have ever received the MMR vaccine, state health leaders urge you to contact your health care provider or local pharmacy to find out whether you are eligible for a dose now.
Because measles is so contagious and can spread to others even before the rash appears, people who are exposed to the virus who don’t have written proof of immunity may need to stay home for up to 21 days after exposure to monitor for symptoms and avoid unknowingly spreading it to others, the Ottawa County Health Department warned.
If symptoms develop, people are urged to call ahead before going to a clinic, urgent care, or emergency room so precautions can be taken to avoid exposing others.
Where can I get an MMR vaccine?
Vaccines are available from health care providers, pharmacies and health departments. Children eligible for the federal Vaccines for Children program may receive the vaccine from a provider enrolled in that program at no cost.
Macomb County: Schedule an appointment to get a vaccine through the county health department using its online portal or by calling its clinics between 8:30 a.m. and noon or 1-5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays:
Clinton Township location: 586-469-5372
Warren location: 586-465-8537
Monroe County: Call 734-240-7830 to schedule a vaccine appointment with the health department.
Ottawa County: Recommends contacting a health provider before trying to schedule an immunization through the health department. If you don’t have a health care provider, the health department can offer vaccination to children under the age of 18 through the Vaccines for Children program and to uninsured or underinsured adults. Request to schedule a vaccine at its clinics in Holland, Grand Haven or Hudsonville through the department’s website or by calling 616-396-5266.
Washtenaw County: Call 734-544-6700 to schedule a vaccine appointment at the health department. Walk-ins are accepted at the clinic at 555 Towner, Ypsilanti, from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays or 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Fridays.
Wayne County: Call 734-727-7100 to schedule an immunization appointment at the county health department. Vaccines are available at the public health clinic, 33030 Van Born Road, Wayne, from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. They also are available 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays.
Contact Kristen Shamus: [email protected]. Subscribe to the Detroit Free Press.
