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2019 Michigan Measles Outbreak Information

As of July 2019, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed 46 total measles cases statewide since March 13, 2019.

An outbreak, which began in mid-March and ended in May, resulted in 42 cases in Southeast Michigan - 40 in Oakland County, one in Wayne County and one in the City of Detroit. Infected individuals range in age from 8 months to 63 years; a majority of the cases involve adults.

Additional cases were reported in:

  • An international traveler following a visit to Washtenaw County.

  • An international traveler visiting St. Clair County.

  • A Grand Traverse County resident who traveled internationally.?

  • A Detroit resident who traveled internationally.

Unvaccinated residents, or residents who are unsure of their vaccination status, should get vaccinated. Residents should contact their healthcare provider or local health department to receive vaccine. If symptoms develop, do not visit your doctor or emergency room unless you call ahead so they can take precautions to prevent exposure to other individuals.

The measles vaccine is highly effective and very safe. A single dose of measles vaccine protects about 95 percent of children, but after two doses, almost 100 percent are immune. You cannot get measles from the vaccine. It can be effective within 72 hours of exposure to prevent illness. More information on the measles vaccine is available in the fact sheets:

In addition, immune globulin treatment is effective within six days of exposure for high-risk individuals. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine if immune globulin is right for you and if it is available. High-risk individuals include those who are unvaccinated or unsure about vaccination status, pregnant women and those who are immune-compromised (have a weakened immune system due to illness and diseases like HIV, malnutrition and/or medications).

To find your local health department, visit Malph.org/resources/directory

Residents with questions about vaccination are encouraged to visit IVaccinate.org for information based on credible medical science and research to help them protect from vaccine-preventable diseases, such as measles. The I Vaccinate campaign is a joint effort of the Franny Strong Foundation and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and is supported by every major medical group in the state and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Healthcare Provider Information

Persons who work in health care settings are at increased risk of exposure to measles and at increased risk of transmission to persons at high risk of severe measles. All persons who work in such settings and have the potential for exposure to potentially infectious patients or materials should have presumptive evidence of immunity to measles to prevent any potential outbreak. Additional guidance is provided in the following documents: