Health officials in Grand Traverse County say they are experiencing a “measles outbreak” after confirming the third case of the highly infectious disease this week.
“The Grand Traverse County Health Department (GTCHD), in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), has confirmed a measles outbreak, which is defined as three or more related cases of measles in a single county,” the department said in a June 24 release. “GTCHD confirmed a third case of measles on June 23rd, 2025.
The release said the three cases were linked to each other and further details won’t be shared to maintain patient privacy. Officials did not say whether any of those infected was vaccinated.
“Measles is a serious disease, and we want to make sure that our residents and visitors are safe. Those who are not vaccinated against measles should consider getting vaccinated during this busy travel time in our community,” GTCHD Health Officer Mike Lahey said. “It is important to make sure you protect yourself and your family from this vaccine-preventable disease.”
Nationally, 35 states, and the District of Columbia, have reported more than 1,000 confirmed cases of the measles as of June 19, 2025, and 23 outbreaks, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In Michigan, as of June 24, health officials reported 15 cases and seven outbreaks of the measles. Cases have been reported in Marquette, Macomb, Grand Traverse, Kent, Montcalm, Allegan, Ingham and Oakland counties.
In Grand Traverse County, officials said they don’t anticipate widespread transmission of the virus.
“If you feel you may have been exposed, or if symptoms develop, call the GTCHD or your health care provider before seeking treatment so steps can be taken to prevent exposure to other individuals,” the release said.
On June 18, Grand Traverse County officials confirmed the first of the three cases. They said it was the first case of measles in the county since 2019.
“Nearly 90% of unvaccinated individuals who are exposed to measles will become infected. Infected individuals are contagious four days before the onset of rash and can continue to spread the virus up to four days after a very recognizable rash appears,” officials said in a release.
Here is more on the measles virus in Michigan:
Where was the most recent measles outbreak in Michigan?
According to Michigan’s Measles Dashboard 2025, weekly updated data on measles cases and outbreaks, here are the jurisdictions in Michigan that are actively monitoring exposures as of June 24 because of potential infection of multiple people:
Active monitoring is a status applied to locations where infected people recently visited. People who visited the above locations during the announced exposure times should monitor themselves for symptoms for at least 21 days, according to the MDHHS.
What are the symptoms of measles?
According to the Mayo Clinic, the measles virus begins to produce symptoms seven to 14 days following exposure.
Here are the symptoms that typically appear first:
Here’s a symptom that may appear two to three days after initial symptoms:
Here’s a symptom that may show three to five days after initial symptoms:
In addition, children younger than 5 years of age are especially vulnerable. They may have complications, such as ear infections diarrhea, pneumonia and encephalitis, according to MDHHS.
How can I protect myself from measles?
Measles is highly contagious and can spread easily through breathing in water droplets via coughing, sneezing and talking; or by touching an infected surface then touching your face.
To protect yourself from the measles, according to the CDC, the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best course of action. Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93% effective.
Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Measles outbreak: 3 confirmed cases in northern Michigan. Active sites, symptoms, vaccine
Reporting by Sarah Moore, Lansing State Journal / Detroit Free Press
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