GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY — On June 23, the Grand Traverse County Health Department confirmed a measles outbreak, marking the third related case in the county this month.
Officials say all three cases are connected and there are no new public exposure sites identified. The department is withholding further details to protect the privacy of those infected.
A measles outbreak is defined as three or more related cases within a single county. The latest case was confirmed June 23 in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable virus that spreads through direct contact or the air. Symptoms typically appear within one to three weeks of exposure and may include a high fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, tiny white spots in the mouth, and a spreading red rash.
“It is important that we, as the public health department, take action to protect, maintain, and improve the health of our community,” said Mike Lahey, the county’s health officer. “Measles is a serious disease, and we want to make sure that our residents and visitors are safe.”
The department is urging unvaccinated individuals to get the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, which provides long-lasting protection. While the standard first dose is given at 12 months, GTCHD is now recommending parents of infants ages 6 to 11 months consider an early MMR dose due to the outbreak and increased travel activity in the region.
Health officials ask anyone who believes they may have been exposed or is showing symptoms to call their health care provider or the GTCHD before seeking treatment to avoid further transmission.
To schedule a vaccination or get more information, residents can contact the health department at 231-995-6800.