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A Macomb County resident has a confirmed case of measles, the county health department announced April 23.
Health officials say they are now working to identify anyone who might have been exposed to the individual while the person was infectious. There are no public exposure sites to report at this time, the health department said in a statement.
“Measles is extremely contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even speaks,” said Andrew Cox, director and health officer of Macomb County Health and Community Services, in a statement. “The best protection against measles is vaccination. If you’re not yet vaccinated, get your shot as soon as possible to safeguard yourself, your family, and your community from this preventable disease.”
This is Michigan’s 10th confirmed case of measles since March 11, and it’s Macomb County’s first case of 2026. Washtenaw County had a measles outbreak involving seven people earlier this year, and a single case of the virus was identified in people from Monroe and Ottawa counties as well.
Scott Turske, a spokesperson for the Macomb County health department, said the latest measles case is not associated with any others in Michigan.
For privacy reasons, he said he would not answer whether the person infected with the virus reported any recent travel or provide the person’s vaccination status.
The nation is in the midst of a measles surge. Since the start of 2026, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 1,748 people have had confirmed infections as of April 16, affecting 33 states and jurisdictions.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued a recommendation earlier in April, urging parents to give a first dose of the measles vaccine to babies ages 6 months to 11 months old — earlier than usual — in seven Michigan counties because of concern that community spread could put infants at risk.
What are the symptoms of measles?
According to the CDC, measles symptoms typically start within seven to 14 days of exposure, but also have been known to appear as long as 21 days after initial exposure and can include:
- Fever, which may rise above 104 degrees.
- Respiratory symptoms such as runny nose and cough.
- Red, watery eyes that can develop into pink eye or conjunctivitis.
- Two to three days after symptoms begin, tiny white spots, known as Koplik spots, may develop on the inner cheeks, gums and roof of the mouth.
- Three to five days after symptoms begin, a rash that is red, raised and blotchy appears. It usually starts on the face and spreads to trunk, arms and legs.
If symptoms develop, health officials say it is important to call ahead before going to a clinic, urgent care center or emergency room. That will allow medical staff to take precautions to protect others from exposure.
Who is considered immune to measles?
With the number of cases rising in the state and nationally, Michiganders should ensure they are immune to measles.
The Macomb County Health and Community Services department highlighted just how infectious the virus is, noting that a single person contagious with the virus can spread measles to nine out of 10 people nearby who are not immune. The CDC reports that the virus can remain active in the air for up to two hours after a person leaves a room.
A person is considered immune to measles if they can provide documentation that:
- They have received two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
- They are a preschool age child who has received one dose of the MMR vaccine.
- They have had a previous confirmed case of measles.
- They were born before 1957.
Immunization rates in the state have continued to drop in the last year, leaving more people vulnerable to this virus, which can cause severe illness, hearing loss, hospitalization, brain swelling, pneumonia and even death.
Statewide, only 66% of children ages 4 to 6 years old have had the recommended two doses of the MMR vaccine. That’s down from 89% in 2017, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
“We encourage anyone who is eligible to get their vaccination,” Jamie Dean, director of the Monroe County Health Department, told the Detroit Free Press for a previous story. “That’s the best protection that we have.”
Where can I get an MMR vaccine in Michigan?
Vaccines are available from health care providers, pharmacies and health departments. Children eligible for the federal Vaccines for Children program may receive the vaccine from a provider enrolled in that program at no cost.
Macomb County: Schedule an appointment to get a vaccine through the county health department using its online portal at https://macombhhs.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9zXZmLrygdNSjlQ or by calling its clinics between 8:30 a.m. and noon or 1-5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays:
- Clinton Township location: 586-469-5372
- Warren location: 586-465-8537
Ottawa County: Recommends contacting a health provider before trying to schedule an immunization through the health department. If you don’t have a health care provider, the health department can offer vaccination to children under the age of 18 through the Vaccines for Children program and to uninsured or underinsured adults. Request to schedule a vaccine at its clinics in Holland, Grand Haven or Hudsonville through the department’s website, https://miottawa.org/health/immunizations/, or by calling 616-396-5266.
Monroe County: Call 734-240-7830 to schedule a vaccine appointment with the health department.
Washtenaw County: Call 734-544-6700 to schedule a vaccine appointment at the health department. Walk-ins are accepted at the clinic at 555 Towner, Ypsilanti, from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays or 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Fridays.
Wayne County: Call 734-727-7100 to schedule an immunization appointment at the county health department. Vaccines are available at the public health clinic, 33030 Van Born Road, Wayne, during the following hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. They also are available 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays.