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CRYSTAL FALLS — The Dickinson Iron District Health Department held a roundtable discussion with nursing staff to discuss roles and responsibilities for a potential measles outbreak emergency. Information was also sent to local schools warning of the potential for a measles outbreak due to low vaccination rates.
As of May 23, 21 U.S. jurisdictions — including Michigan — have reported a total of 142 measles cases for 2024. Michigan, along with Wisconsin, Minnesota, Indiana and Ohio all reported less than 10 cases. Illinois reported over 50–100 cases.
The Centers for Disease Control describe measles (Rubeola) as “serious” and “very contagious,” especially for children under five years old. The agency estimates that for every one person with measles, nine out of 10 nearby persons will become infected if not vaccinated.
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can remain in the air up to two hours after an infected person has left.
“The best protection against measles is measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine,” the CDC website reads. “MMR vaccine provides long-lasting protection against all strains of measles.”
After first contact with the virus, it typically takes anywhere from one to two weeks for symptoms to appear. Common symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, or a rash. Other complications include ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia and encephalitis.
In the past two decades, the U.S. has rarely reported over 200 cases of the measles annually. In 2014, 667 cases were reported; in 2018, 382 cases were reported; and in 2019, 1,274 cases were reported.
More information is available at didhd.org.