Michigan Reports First Measles Case in Five Years, Urges Vaccination
In a concerning development, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has reported the first case of measles in the state in five years. The confirmed case, which occurred in Oakland County, is believed to be associated with international travel. This news comes as 15 other states have also reported cases of measles this year, highlighting the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of the highly contagious disease.
The case has raised alarm among parents, including Kaitlyn Henninger, whose son Joey is just weeks away from turning four. Henninger expressed her concern, stating, “We’ve had a really rough fall and winter flu season. It seems I can’t go more than 72 hours without a runny nose.” With news of the measles outbreak in a Florida elementary school, Henninger’s initial reaction was an eye roll. However, upon hearing about the case in Oakland County, she became more apprehensive.
Measles is a highly contagious and vaccine-preventable disease that spreads through direct person-to-person contact and through the air. The virus can live in the air for up to two hours where an infected person was present. Symptoms typically appear seven to 14 days after exposure but can emerge up to 21 days later. These symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes, tiny white spots on the inner cheeks and mouth, and a red, blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads to the trunk, arms, and legs.
Dr. Molly O’Shea, a pediatrician at Birmingham Pediatrics, emphasized the seriousness of measles, stating that it is 10 times more contagious than COVID-19. She explained that even the tiniest exposure to the virus can lead to infection in vulnerable individuals. O’Shea stressed the importance of vaccination as a prevention tool, noting that in her 30-plus years of practice, she has rarely seen a patient with measles.
The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, has been highly effective in preventing measles. The vaccine is 93% effective after the first dose and 97% effective after the second dose. Two doses provide lifelong immunity, with the first dose administered at 12 months and the second at age 4. However, it is crucial to maintain vaccination rates to ensure protection against measles.
Unfortunately, vaccination rates have dropped across the United States, including in Michigan. The statewide vaccine coverage for the MMR vaccine has decreased from 89.4% in 2017 to 84% in 2022 for children aged 4 to 6 years old. For children aged 19 to 35 months, vaccine coverage has decreased from 84.7% in April 2020 to 83.6% in December 2023. This decline in vaccination rates is concerning and puts communities at risk of outbreaks.
Dr. O’Shea urged parents who have chosen not to vaccinate their children to reconsider their decision. She emphasized that the MMR vaccine is a life-saving opportunity for families and expressed her wish to not see vaccine-preventable illnesses again. The vaccine remains effective within 72 hours of exposure to measles.
As Michigan residents grapple with the recent measles case, health officials are urging parents to ensure their children are up to date on vaccinations, especially the MMR vaccine. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services advises contacting healthcare providers or local health departments for information on obtaining the vaccine and scheduling appointments. Additionally, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website provides more information about the MMR vaccine and measles cases in the U.S.
In a few weeks, Kaitlyn Henninger will be taking her son Joey for his second dose of the MMR vaccine. She feels confident in her decision to vaccinate her children and encourages other parents to do the same. Henninger stated, “I have never regretted vaccinating my children. I felt very, very reassured I made the right decision immediately.”
As Michigan faces its first measles case in five years, the importance of vaccination cannot be overstated. By ensuring high vaccination rates, communities can protect themselves against preventable diseases and avoid potential outbreaks.
