This article appeared on the Daily Reporter. Read more here.
A fourth measles case was suspected in Michigan, this time in Jackson County, and the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency is making a proactive effort to ensure everyone is vaccinated to prevent the spread of the infection.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Medical Association sent out separate but similar pleas on Monday. Nationally, of the 58 cases, 54 are linked to international travel by unvaccinated U.S. residents.
“This is a concern for those who travel during spring break this week,” said health agency spokesperson Kris Dewy Dewey.
This applies to people traveling outside the country and those interacting with international travelers while on vacation.
Dewey emphasized, “If you are unsure about vaccination, you can check your record, or your child’s vaccine record, by contacting your local health department office, or checking online at https://mcir.org.”
Most recent state records show that only 73% of Branch County children between 19 months and 36 months old have the necessary first measles vaccination, which is well below the 93% national average.