By Carol Stiffler
Measles cases have been slowly popping up in Michigan, and until last week all cases were in the Lower Peninsula.
Now, two measles cases in Marquette County have been confirmed, and potential exposure is spread in three U.P. counties. The exposures occurred in Marquette, Delta, and Ontonagon County; one case was confirmed on Monday and the second case was confirmed on Tuesday.
Michigan has now had a total of 10 confirmed measles cases this year.
Locally, immunization rates against measles dip as low as 71.5%. Here’s the breakdown for how we’re innoculated against MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), according to the LMAS District Health Department:
Luce
1 dose of MMR coverage in 19-35 month age: 77.2%
2 doses in adolescent age 13-17 years: 89%
Mackinac
1 dose of MMR coverage in 19-35 month age: 71.5%
2 doses in adolescent age 13-17 years: 83.6%
Alger
1 dose of MMR coverage in 19-35 month age: 77.2%
2 doses in adolescent age 13-17 years: 87%
Schoolcraft
1 dose of MMR coverage in 19-35 month age: 77.5%
2 doses in adolescent age 13-17 years: 90.1%
A booster shot isn’t necessary for adults, according to Cassie Tebear, Personal Family Health Director with LMAS.
“Adults do not need boosters if they have evidence of immunity through natural infection or vaccination,” Tebear said.
LMAS Director and Health Officer Nicholas Derusha encourages residents to make sure their household is up to-date on vaccines.
“As we see measles cases continue to rise, and have now seen cases in the Upper Peninsula, I would remind everyone that it is not too late to get immunized,” Derusha said, “and I encourage people to talk to their healthcare provider or contact their local health department office to make an appointment to get caught up on their MMR immunizations to protect themselves and
their family members from measles.”
