ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – Public Health, Delta & Menominee Counties (PHDM) has confirmed three cases of measles in Delta County. These mark the first confirmed measles cases in the jurisdiction since 1989 and the first in the Upper Peninsula in 2026.
PHDM is working with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to investigate the cases and notify anyone who may be exposed. Public exposure sites are being evaluated and will be shared if identified.
According to PHDM, about one in five people who get measles end up in the hospital. To see if they are protected from measles, PHDM urges residents to check with their doctor or local health department to review their vaccination records. Patients are likely protected if:
· They have had at least one MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella (children over 4 years and some adults at increased risk of exposure should have two doses of MMR to be fully protected); or
· They have a record of immunity to measles (documented history of past measles infection, for example); or
· They were born before 1957.
“Measles is very contagious and spreads easily through the air,” said PHDM Health Officer Dayna Kapp. “Anyone not vaccinated is at higher risk of becoming ill if exposed.”
Up to nine out of ten people exposed to measles will become infected if they are not protected. Symptoms usually start seven to fourteen days after exposure but can take up to 21 days to show up. Symptoms include high fever (can go above 104 degrees), cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, tiny white spots in the mouth, and a red, raised rash that starts on the face and spreads to the body.
To prevent spreading measles to others, those with symptoms should call their healthcare provider before seeking medical help.
PHDM states that one dose of the measles vaccine offers approximately 93% protection. Two doses increase protection to approximately 97%. Babies under 12 months, pregnant people, and those with weak immune systems may be able to get a different treatment called immunoglobulin (IG). Getting the MMR shot or IG within 72 hours of exposure may stop patients from getting sick.
PHDM offers MMR vaccines. To make an appointment, call PHDM at (906) 786-4111. Most insurance plans cover the vaccine. If patients don’t have insurance or their plan doesn’t cover vaccines, they may qualify for free or low-cost shots. r.
For additional measles information, visit michigan.gov/measles or phdm.org/measles.
