# Ottawa County Confirms First Measles Case in Over 30 Years
For the first time since 1991, Ottawa County Department of Public Health has confirmed a case of measles in a county resident. This marks the first measles case in West Michigan this year.
The Ottawa County Department of Public Health, along with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, confirmed the case. Health officials are working to notify anyone who may have been exposed.
As of Tuesday, there were no public exposure sites to announce. If any exposure sites are identified, they will be posted online at miottawa.org/measles, according to officials.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease that spreads through direct person-to-person contact and through the air, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The disease can cause serious health complications, especially in those younger than 5 years old.
Complications from measles can include ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, and encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain, according to the MDHHS website.
Measles symptoms typically appear seven to 14 days after contact with the virus, though it can take up to 21 days. The disease can be spread by someone before they show symptoms.
Common symptoms associated with measles include:
High fever that may spike to over 104 degrees Fahrenheit
Cough
Runny nose
Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums and roof of the mouth (Koplik Spots)
A rash that starts as flat red spots on the face at the hairline, then spreads to the trunk, arms and legs three to five days after symptoms begin. Small, raised bumps may also appear on top of the flat red spots.
Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the measles virus, or develop symptoms, are urged to call their health care provider before seeking testing or treatment, according to the MDHHS. This ensures steps can be taken to prevent exposure to others.
A person is considered immune to measles if they can show the following:
They are a child in K-12 or an adult who has received two doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine
They are a preschool aged child who has received one dose of the MMR vaccine
They have had measles at some point in their life
They were born before 1957
Gwen Unzicker, MD, medical director, said measles is highly contagious but also highly preventable. Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide about 97% protection and help safeguard the neighbors, classmates, and family members around us.
Most people in Ottawa County are already protected, according to Unzicker. If you are unsure whether you or your children are up to date on vaccinations, now is a good time to check your records and talk with your healthcare provider.
In addition to Ottawa County, Washtenaw County in eastern Michigan previously confirmed seven cases in their area in March. More information about measles and where active monitoring is taking place in Michigan can be found on the state's Measles Dashboard online.