May 30, 2025 — Western Upper Peninsula Health Department (WUPHD) has confirmed a measles case in a Marquette County resident that is currently visiting family in Ontonagon County. The WUPHD is working closely with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Marquette County Health Department (MCHD) to investigate the situation and prevent additional cases. The individual is following all isolation protocols.
Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease that is spread by direct person-to-person contact and through the air. Measles is so contagious that ninety percent of unvaccinated people who are exposed to measles will become infected. Infected people can spread measles before noticing symptoms, including from four days before through four days after the rash appears. Individuals who visited the following locations may have been exposed to measles:
- U. P. Health Systems – Portage, Express Care – 921 W. Sharon Ave., Houghton, MI, 49931 Monday 05/26 from 11:30am to 1pm (ET)
- Aspirus Ironwood Emergency Department – N10561 Grandview Lane, Ironwood, MI, 49938 Tuesday 05/27 from 11:30am to 1pm (CT)
- Additional sites of potential exposure may be identified as more information becomes available.
Measles can live for up to two hours in the air where an infected person coughed or sneezed. Symptoms of measles usually begin 7-14 days after exposure, but can appear up to 21 days after exposure, and may include:
- High fever (may spike to over 104°F).
- Cough.
- Runny nose.
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis).
- Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums and roof of mouth (Koplik Spots) 2-3 days after symptoms begin.
- A rash that is red, raised, blotchy; usually starts on face, spreads to trunk, arms and legs 3-5days after symptoms begin.
If any symptoms develop stay away from others and call ahead before visiting a doctor, urgent care, or emergency room so they can take precautions to avoid exposing others. The measles vaccine (MMR) is a highly effective, very safe and provides long-lasting protection. In general, individuals with two, appropriately spaced doses of MMR are considered immune. With the risk of community spread, anyone not fully vaccinated against measles is encouraged to do so as soon as possible. Contact your health care provider if you have questions regarding the status of immunity to measles or WUPHD at 906-482-7382 for assistance in locating vaccination records.
The MMR vaccine is available through some health care providers, Western Upper Peninsula Health Department offices in Hancock, Bessemer, L’Anse and Ontonagon, and many pharmacies.