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Third and fourth measles cases were confirmed by the Kent County Health Department last week.
Neither case involved public exposure sites nor posed a risk to the general public, according to a news release from the department.
The county will notify the media and public about measles cases going forward when they involve public exposure sites or pose a public health risk, the department announced.
According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services measles dashboard, there are currently 18 cases throughout the state. Eight of those cases are connected to outbreaks, which are defined as three or more linked cases.
Kent County’s second measles case of the year was announced on July 2.
“We’re seeing a troubling resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles, both here and around the world,” said Dr. Adam London, Kent County’s health officer. “This latest case is a reminder that traveling to or from areas with ongoing outbreaks can put vulnerable people at risk. Vaccination remains our best defense.”
Measles is highly contagious. It can remain in the air for about two hours after an infected person leaves, and about 90% of people without immunity will become infected after coming into close contact with an infected person, according to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.
Symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days after exposure, but can appear within 21 days. They include high fever, coughing, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a rash.
If you suspect your child has measles, call their healthcare provider or the Kent County Health Department before visiting a clinic, office or emergency room to avoid exposing others.
The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella with one dose being 93% effective against measles, and two doses being 97% effective, according to the CDC.