Grand Rapids, Mich. — A Kent County resident has been diagnosed with measles, marking the first confirmed case in the county since 2013. This case also represents the second measles case in Michigan this year, according to the Kent County Health Department.
The infected individual, an adult, had recently traveled abroad and made a subsequent visit to New Jersey before experiencing symptoms of the disease. Health officials have released a list of locations in Kent County where the public may have been exposed to the virus, urging those who were at these sites during specific times to be vigilant for symptoms.
The locations and times of potential exposure are as follows:
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March 24: Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant in Kentwood, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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March 25: Gerald R. Ford International Airport, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
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March 25: Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport Delta Sky Club near Gate A68, 11:20 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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March 27-28: Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, 6:45 p.m. to midnight
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March 27-28: Gerald R. Ford International Airport, 10:40 p.m. to 1 a.m.
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March 28: Corewell Health Family Medicine on Wealthy Street in East Grand Rapids, 1:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Measles symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure, though they can surface up to 21 days later. Symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes, and a characteristic rash that usually begins on the face before spreading to the rest of the body. A few days after the onset of symptoms, small white spots may also appear inside the mouth.
Health officials are urging individuals who were at the above locations during the specified times to monitor for any of these symptoms and contact their healthcare provider if they suspect they have contracted the disease. The Kent County Health Department advises anyone experiencing symptoms to call their healthcare provider before visiting in person to prevent further transmission.
Dr. Kristin Oldenberg, the medical director at the Kent County Health Department, emphasized the potential severity of measles, particularly for vulnerable populations such as young children, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. “Measles can lead to serious complications, but fortunately, the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and highly effective at preventing the disease,” she said. “Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide 97% protection against measles.”
The health department strongly encourages vaccination, particularly for individuals planning international travel or visiting areas with ongoing measles outbreaks. Residents can check their immunization status through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website.
This outbreak serves as a reminder of the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of highly contagious diseases like measles.
