Michigan is facing a potential measles outbreak as vaccination rates drop and cases of the highly contagious disease increase across the United States and globally. State health officials in Michigan have reported that vaccination rates for recommended childhood immunizations have dropped to 66% among toddlers, which is the lowest rate seen in over a decade. Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, the state’s chief medical executive, warns that it is only a matter of time before measles cases start appearing in Michigan.
In recent weeks, there have already been three confirmed cases of measles in Michigan. Potentially hundreds of people were exposed to the virus at various healthcare facilities when infected individuals sought treatment for symptoms. The virus is highly contagious, and 90% of unvaccinated individuals who are exposed will become infected. However, the spread of the virus can be prevented if the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is administered within 72 hours of exposure.
Measles is not a mild illness and can lead to severe complications such as encephalitis, pneumonia, and even death. Before the vaccine was available, between 400 and 500 people died from measles each year in the U.S. Dr. Bagdasarian emphasizes the importance of vaccination, stating that the vaccine is 93% effective with a single dose and between 97% and 98% effective with two doses.
One of the contributing factors to the drop in vaccination rates in Michigan is the increasing number of parents seeking waivers to exempt their children from school-required vaccines. In 2015, 3.1% of Michigan schoolchildren had vaccine waivers, but this number has risen to nearly 18,000 in 2022, which accounts for approximately 4.8% of kids enrolled in public and private schools statewide. Some counties in Michigan have particularly high rates of vaccine waivers, with Houghton County having the highest rate at 18.9%.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also played a role in the decline of vaccination rates. Many children missed their annual exams and checkups, which is when they would typically receive vaccinations. Additionally, the pandemic has fueled vaccine hesitancy among some parents due to the spread of misinformation and misconceptions surrounding vaccines.
Overcoming vaccine controversy and addressing vaccine hesitancy is a significant challenge for public health leaders. Some communities are hesitant to promote vaccines due to fear of backlash and controversy. However, health departments continue to provide accurate vaccine information and inform parents about the risks of not vaccinating their children. In some cases, schools have had to exclude unvaccinated students from attending school during outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
To achieve herd immunity and protect vulnerable populations, it is crucial for 95% of the population to be fully vaccinated against measles. Michigan falls short of this target, highlighting the need for increased vaccination efforts. Dr. Bagdasarian urges anyone who is not up to date on measles vaccinations or is unsure of their immunity status to get vaccinated.
Tracking vaccination history can be challenging, but Michigan residents born after December 31, 1993, can access their records through the Michigan Care Improvement Registry. For those born before that date or who did not grow up in Michigan, other options include checking with parents, local health departments, or educational institutions for immunization records. If all else fails, individuals can consider getting a blood test or receiving an additional dose of the MMR vaccine.
In the event of exposure to measles or the development of symptoms, individuals are advised to contact their physician or local health department immediately. Prompt action is essential to prevent further spread of the virus. Measles is a real risk in southeast Michigan, and everyone should remain vigilant and proactive in seeking medical attention if necessary.
The potential measles outbreak in Michigan serves as a reminder of the importance of vaccination and the need for high vaccination rates to protect public health. It is crucial for individuals to stay informed, get vaccinated, and take appropriate measures to prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases.
