Health officials confirmed measles has made its way to Grand Traverse County after a resident picked up the highly contagious diseases while traveling. It’s the first positive case in the county since 2019.
The person was diagnosed at Munson Medical Center, according to the Grand Traverse County Health Department. Officials reached out to those who may have been directly or indirectly exposed. At this time, there are no known public exposures related to the case.
Experts with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say measles is “so contagious that if one person has it, 9 out of 10 people of all ages around him or her will also become infected if they are not protected.”
The disease causes high fevers and open sores, and it can lead to other health issues like pneumonia, blindness and brain swelling. Symptoms of measles usually begin 7-14 days after exposure, but can appear up to 21 days after exposure.
Vaccines mean it’s also a completely preventable disease. But GT Health Department Director of Community Health Jacalyn Money-Bruno said Grand Traverse County’s immunization rates are not where they should be.
“It's safe, it's a highly effective vaccine,” she said. “And unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation out there and a lot of distrust… If people have questions, they can call us. They can make an appointment, and we're happy to talk through it.”
Children typically receive two shots of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine: once when they’re 12 to 15 months old and another when they’re 4 to 6 years old.
Because measles is so contagious, 95% of a population needs to be fully vaccinated in order to claim herd immunity - the point at which a population becomes mostly resistant to a disease.
In March, IPR News found that most northern Michigan counties fall below 95% for the rates of children 19-35 months old that have received at least one MMR vaccine.
“This case is a reminder of how easily measles can spread and the importance of vaccination,” said Mike Lahey, Health Officer at GT Health Department. “The vaccine is highly effective, and we strongly encourage our community to educate themselves about their immunization status and to get vaccinated if they are not protected.”
Health officials are encouraging anyone who may have symptoms to go to a hospital or urgent care to prevent spreading the disease.
The county Health Department is hosting a walk-in clinic for measles vaccination on Friday, June 20th. Residents can stop by from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the health department located at 2600 LaFranier Road in Traverse City.
