Wayne State University Center for Emerging and Infectious Diseases experts speak out on danger of measles outbreak

Michigan Reports 18 Cases as National Outbreak Reaches 1,288 Confirmed Cases Across 38 States

DETROIT - The Wayne State University Center for Emerging and Infectious Diseases (CEID) today called for urgent public health action as the United States experiences its worst measles outbreak since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000. With 1,288 confirmed cases nationwide and 18 in Michigan alone, experts warn that declining vaccination rates threaten to undo decades of progress.

"We are witnessing a dangerous reversal of one of public health's greatest achievements," said Paul Kilgore, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.P, co-director of CEID, director of research and professor of pharmacy practice in the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. "What's particularly alarming is that 17 of Michigan's 18 cases were unvaccinated. This is entirely preventable. History shows us what happens when we become complacent - in 1990, we saw nearly 28,000 cases and 89 deaths nationwide."

The current outbreak has already resulted in three deaths - the first measles-related deaths in the United States in a decade. Michigan's childhood measles vaccination rate stands at only 79%, well below the 95% threshold needed to prevent outbreaks.

Recent scientific research has revealed that measles poses dangers beyond the immediate illness. The virus causes "immune amnesia," destroying up to 73% of antibodies that protect against other diseases. This leaves survivors vulnerable to other infections for two to three years after recovery.

"This outbreak represents a critical failure in our system of public health communication," said Matthew Seeger, Ph.D., co-director of CEID and distinguished professor of communication in Wayne State's College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts. "Sadly, we're seeing the consequences of conflicting messages and misinformation leading to confusion, distrust and vaccine hesitancy. Clear, consistent and understandable communication with trusted credible sources is essential to rebuild confidence in one of medicine's most important public health tools."

The 1990 measles resurgence provides a sobering reminder of what's at stake:

• 27,672 cases reported
• 89 deaths (death rate of 3.2 per 1,000 cases)
• 21% of patients require hospitalization
• 22.7% experienced complications including pneumonia, brain inflammation, and hearing loss

Currently, 92% of measles cases nationwide are among unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status. The highly contagious nature of measles means that 90% of susceptible people exposed to the virus will become infected.

Recommendations from CEID include:

• Parents should immediately verify their children's vaccination status and schedule catch-up vaccines if needed
• Adults born after 1957 who are unsure of their immunity should consult their health care provider
• Health care facilities should review infection control protocols
• Anyone experiencing symptoms (fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, followed by rash) should call their health care provider before visiting to prevent further spread

"The measles vaccine has been safely administered to billions of people worldwide for over 60 years," added Kilgore. "Two doses provide 97% protection for life. This isn't just about preventing measles - it's about protecting our children's entire immune system and our community's health."

CEID emphasizes that measles elimination status, achieved in 2000, is now at risk. Several other countries have already lost their elimination status due to sustained outbreaks.

For more information about measles vaccination or to find vaccination sites, Michigan residents can visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services' website at michigan.gov/immunize.

"While the number of measles cases remains far lower than fatalities from influenza or the opioid crisis, the concern extends beyond raw numbers," said Teena Chopra, M.D., M.P.H., co-director of CEID and professor of medicine at Wayne State's School of Medicine. "It reflects deeper vulnerabilities in our public health landscape. The return of measles is not just a medical setback - it's a sign of broader cracks in our public health foundation, driven by misinformation and declining public trust. The measles vaccine remains one of the most effective and safest tools in modern medicine. The science has not changed - but trust has. The broader worry is what this means for the future. With declining vaccination rates, other preventable diseases could soon follow. Beyond the numbers, this is a test of our collective responsibility to protect one another."

About Wayne State University

Wayne State University is one of the nation's pre-eminent public research universities in an urban setting. Through its multidisciplinary approach to research and education, and its ongoing collaboration with government, industry and other institutions, the university seeks to enhance economic growth and improve the quality of life in the city of Detroit, state of Michigan and throughout the world. For more information about research at Wayne State University, visit research.wayne.edu .

Wayne State University's research efforts are dedicated to a prosperity agenda that betters the lives of our students, supports our faculty in pushing the boundaries of knowledge and innovation further, and strengthens the bonds that interconnect Wayne State and our community. To learn more about Wayne State University's prosperity agenda, visit president.wayne.edu/prosperity-agenda .

About the Wayne State University Center for Emerging and Infectious Diseases

The Center for Emerging and Infectious Diseases at Wayne State University conducts innovative research, education, and community engagement to prevent and control infectious disease threats. The center brings together multidisciplinary expertise to address current and emerging public health challenges.