First Michigan measles case of 2025 confirmed in Oakland County
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday its count of confirmed measles cases in the U.S. has already surpassed 2024.
Michigan’s first confirmed case of measles this year was reported by the Oakland County Health Division on Thursday — marking the first case in the state since July 2024.
The infected adult had recently traveled overseas and their vaccination status is unknown, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease that is spread by direct person-to-person contact and through the air.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday its count of confirmed measles cases in the U.S. surpassed 2024, with cases reported in Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.
The best way to avoid measles is to get the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The first shot is recommended for children between 12 and 15 months old and the second between 4 and 6 years old.
“Vaccination remains our best defense against measles and is highly efficient at protecting individuals and preventing outbreaks,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive, in a statement. “This case of measles is a reminder of how easily this highly contagious disease can spread, particularly with international travel.”
Individuals who visited the following locations during these days/times, may have been exposed to measles:
- Kruse & Muer on Main at 327 S. Main Street in Rochester Friday, March 3 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Henry Ford Rochester Hospital Emergency Department at 1101 W. University Drive in Rochester:
- Saturday, March 8, from 3:40 a.m. to Sunday, March 9, at 9:32 a.m.
- Tuesday, March 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Additional sites of possible exposure may be identified as more information becomes available.
Those who believe they could have been exposed to the virus should monitor for symptoms for at least 21 days after their potential exposure date. Individuals born in or before 1957 are considered immune, MDHHS said.
“If symptoms develop, do not visit your doctor or emergency room unless you call ahead so they can take precautions to prevent exposure to other individuals,” said Kate Guzmán, health officer for Oakland County.
Measles symptoms usually begin 7-14 days after exposure, and the virus can live for up to two hours in the air where an infected person coughed or sneezed. Symptoms may 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 mouth (Koplik Spots) 2-3 days after symptoms begin
- A rash that is red, raised, blotchy; usually starts on face, spreads to trunk, arms and legs 3-5 days after symptoms begin
The MMR vaccine is available through some health care providers, Oakland County Health Division offices in Southfield and Pontiac, and many pharmacies.
–Associated Press Health Writer Devi Shastri contributed to this report.
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