Michigan Reports Second Measles Outbreak Amid Rising National Cases

Michigan has experienced a second outbreak of measles this year, coinciding with the United States reaching a total of 1,227 confirmed cases. The recent cases add to a broader resurgence of the disease across North America, driven partly by decreased vaccination rates and international travel. In Michigan, Grand Traverse County confirmed three new cases, while previously, Montcalm County reported four cases in early June. Overall, Michigan's total cases for 2025 now stand at 16, with outbreaks also persisting in neighboring states.

Across the country, outbreaks are active in several regions. In Ontario, Canada, more than 2,200 cases have been documented since October 2024, and Alberta has seen over 1,100 cases. Mexico's Chihuahua state reported 2,485 cases and eight deaths as of late June, highlighting the international scope of current measles transmission.

Within the United States, states including Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Utah are experiencing varying degrees of outbreaks, often linked to unvaccinated populations and international exposure. Notably, in Texas, the outbreak has resulted in 750 cases, primarily in West Texas, with linked deaths of unvaccinated children.

Measles, caused by a highly contagious airborne virus, remains a preventable disease through vaccination. Despite being declared eliminated from the U.S. in 2000, recent declines in vaccination coverage—exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic—have led to these recent outbreaks. The CDC recommends the MMR vaccine for children and susceptible adults, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high immunization rates to achieve herd immunity.

Symptoms of measles include high fever, runny nose, cough, red watery eyes, and rash that begins on the face and spreads downward. While most children recover without complications, severe cases can cause pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling, or death. Treatment focuses on symptom relief and preventing complications, as no specific cure exists.

Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely, urging vaccination and vigilance to prevent further spread of this preventable disease.