Macomb County Health Department Reports Local Measles Case

The Macomb County Health Department (MCHD), in partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), has confirmed a case of measles in a Macomb County resident. MCHD is working to notify any individuals who may have been exposed. There are no public exposure sites to announce at this time. This is the county's first case of measles in 2026.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease. A single infectious person can spread measles to approximately 9 out of 10 people nearby who are not immune. A person is considered immune to measles if they can provide documentation 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 vaccination status should contact their healthcare provider or MCHD at 586-469-5372 or 586-465-8537.

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.

"Measles is extremely contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even speaks," said Andrew Cox, director and health officer of Macomb County Health and Community Services. "The best protection against measles is vaccination. If you're not yet vaccinated, get your shot as soon as possible to safeguard yourself, your family, and your community from this preventable disease."

Resources

Macomb County Health Department Measles Fact Sheet

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Measles web page

Macomb County Health Department Immunizations Clinics web page

Scott Turske

[email protected]