Measles outbreaks continue to spread across the US, leaving health officials concerned about a potential resurgence of the disease in Michigan. The first case of measles in the state this year was confirmed by the Oakland County Health Department, involving an adult who recently traveled abroad.
Health experts warn that measles is highly contagious and can linger in the air for up to two hours, making it crucial to take precautions when traveling to areas with outbreaks. Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s Chief Medical Executive, has urged doctors to refresh their knowledge on measles due to the lack of recent cases.
“Many doctors have not seen measles in their career,” she said. “Measles can be deadly, especially for children. Vaccination is still the most effective way to protect against the disease.”
However, vaccination rates are concerning, and health officials warn that a decline in vaccination could lead to a bigger resurgence of the disease. Dr. Kate Guzmán, Oakland County Health Officer, advises people not to visit emergency rooms unless they have confirmed measles symptoms, recommending instead that they contact their local health department first.
Michigan has not seen cases of measles since July 2024, but the recent outbreaks in other states, such as Texas and California, have raised alarm among health officials. To reduce transmission, officials urge individuals to be cautious when traveling to areas with reported outbreaks and to seek medical attention only if they believe they may have contracted measles.
Source: https://www.wilx.com/2025/03/15/health-officials-asking-doctors-brush-up-measles-knowledge-amid-outbreaks