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(OTTAWA COUNTY, MI.) — The Ottawa County Department of Public Health (OCDPH) has confirmed two more cases of measles in Ottawa County, for a total of three cases.
All three people live in the same household. The two newly confirmed cases were already being monitored after the first case in the household, and they stayed home throughout the time they could have spread measles — so no additional exposures outside the household are expected. OCDPH and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) reached out directly to anyone who may have been exposed to the first case, and no additional public exposure sites have been identified.
Because the cases are linked, this is now considered a measles outbreak. MDHHS will list it as an outbreak on their measles dashboard. This designation is used for monitoring and reporting purposes only; it does not indicate any new or increased risk to the community.
OCDPH will continue to watch closely for any additional cases and, if no further cases are identified, the outbreak will be declared over by the end of May.
“Since the first case was identified, this has been a team effort,” noted Dr. Gwendolyn Unzicker, Medical Director. “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.”
What You Should Do Now
Check your immunity. A person is considered immune if they can provide written proof that:
- They are a child (K-12) or adult who has received two doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.
- They are a preschool-aged child who has received one dose of the MMR vaccine.
- They have had measles at some point in their life.
- They were born before 1957.
Anyone with questions about their immunity should contact their health care provider or OCDPH at 616 396-5266. You may be eligible for a blood test to check your immunity.
Why Proof of Immunity Is Important
Because measles is so contagious, even before the rash appears, and because it can take up to 21 days for symptoms to appear, people who are exposed to measles without written proof of immunity may need to stay home (and out of work or school) for up to 21 days to monitor for symptoms of measles and to prevent unknowingly spreading it to others.
Measles Symptoms to Watch For
Measles symptoms appear 7–21 days after exposure. Watch for:
- High fever (may spike above 104°F)
- Cough, runny nose, and red or watery eyes
- Red blotchy rash beginning on the face and spreading downward, typically 3–5 days after first symptoms
If symptoms develop, call ahead before going to a clinic, urgent care, or emergency room — this allows staff to take precautions and protects other patients from being exposed. Stay away from others until you have spoken with a health care provider.
How the MMR Vaccine Helps
Measles is highly contagious, but it's also highly preventable — two doses of the MMR vaccine provide about 97% protection and help safeguard the neighbors, classmates, and family members around us. Anyone with questions about how to receive the vaccine should contact their health care provider or OCDPH at 616 396-5266.
For more information about measles, visit miottawa.org/measles.
The Ottawa County Department of Public Health works with our community to help assure conditions that promote and protect health for all. OCDPH’s vision is healthy people. Follow OCDPH on Facebook @miOttawaHealth or Instagram @miOCDPH. Report a health concern at miottawa.org/concern.
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