This opinion piece by Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s chief medical executive, was posted on The Detroit News. Read more here.
As a physician specializing in infectious diseases, I have seen firsthand the devastating impact that preventable illnesses can have on individuals, families and entire communities.
That’s why the recent confirmation of Michigan’s first measles case this year — an adult in Oakland County with a recent history of international travel — is so concerning.
Across the country, measles cases are increasing at an alarming rate. More than 300 cases have already been reported this year in 14 states, including large outbreaks in Texas and Ohio. This is more than the total number of cases reported in 2024, and it’s only March.
Measles is not just a rash and fever; it is a serious, potentially life-threatening disease. It is one of the most contagious viruses, capable of lingering in the air for hours after an infected person coughs or sneezes. If someone without immunity enters that space, they have a 90% chance of becoming infected.
With measles, the risks are significant. About 1 in 5 unvaccinated people who contract measles will be hospitalized. The disease can cause pneumonia, swelling of the brain and long-term immune system damage. Children under the age of 5, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable. Between 1 and 2 out of 1,000 children with measles develop swelling around the brain, and between 1 and 3 out of 1,000 children die.
I’m deeply troubled that we are seeing a rise in measles cases at a time when vaccine hesitancy is also growing. The science is clear: measles vaccines have saved millions of lives. Before the vaccine became widely available in 1963, measles caused hundreds of deaths and tens of thousands of hospitalizations each year in the U.S. Thanks to high vaccination rates, the disease was declared eliminated in this country in 2000. But now, due to declining vaccination rates, it is making a comeback.
Many families will soon travel nationally or internationally for spring break and summer vacations. The measles outbreaks in other states mean that exposure is possible in the U.S. Large gatherings, airports and popular vacation destinations create an environment where measles can spread quickly.
The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is one of the most effective vaccines. It provides 97% protection against infection after two doses. It is recommended for all children starting with the first dose at 12 to 15 months and a second dose at 4 to 6 years. Adults who are unsure of their vaccination status should check with their health care provider.
Without higher vaccination rates, we will see more outbreaks — not just of measles, but of other preventable diseases as well, like pertussis (whooping cough), which is also rising in Michigan. The state saw a record number of pertussis cases in 2024, a 14-fold increase from 2023.
Protect yourself and others by:
Checking vaccination records; being cautious when traveling; watching for symptoms; sharing reliable information about vaccines; and calling your health department or health provider before going to a hospital or clinic if you suspect you have been exposed.
We have already seen one measles-associated death in Texas and one in New Mexico this year. The growing measles outbreak could claim more lives. Every case of measles is one that could have been prevented.
As a doctor and as a mother, I urge parents to make the choice that protects their children. Vaccination is not just a personal decision; it is a responsibility to our families and our communities. We have the tools to prevent measles. Let’s use them.