🗞️ Health Alert: Measles Outbreak in Montcalm County From the Mid-Michigan District Health Department (MMDHD)
Internal Bulletin – April 2025
MMDHD has officially declared a measles outbreak in Montcalm County following multiple confirmed cases connected to a recent traveler. While no public exposure sites have been identified, the nature of skilled nursing care—where many residents are immunocompromised—requires heightened awareness and rapid action.
Outbreaks are currently being reported both nationally and globally. As care providers, we must stay vigilant to protect our residents and staff.
⚠️ Why This Matters to Us
Measles is highly contagious and can be especially dangerous for older adults and those with weakened immune systems. The virus spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, or close contact and can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room.
One infected person can expose 90% of nearby individuals who are not immune.
👩⚕️ What Our Clinical Teams Should Watch For
Be alert for residents or staff who show signs of:
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High fever
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Cough
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Runny nose
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Red, watery eyes
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White spots in the mouth (Koplik spots)
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A spreading red rash (typically begins on the face and moves downward)
Symptoms usually appear 7–14 days after exposure and the infected person can spread the virus from four days before until four days after the rash appears.
🛡️ Immediate Action Steps for Suspected Cases
If a resident, staff member, or visitor shows symptoms of measles:
1. Isolate immediately. Place the individual in a private room with the door closed.
2. Mask the patient and ensure only immune staff (wearing N-95 masks) are assigned.
3. Contact your facility’s Infection Control Lead.
4. Call your county health department to report and coordinate testing.
5. Do not re-use the resident room for two hours after the suspected person has left.
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💉 Vaccination Reminder
Encourage staff to be up to date on their MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccination. Two doses are 97% effective in preventing measles. Residents who are not immune should be evaluated for vaccination status with their provider.
At this time, the Health Department is not recommending early vaccination for infants under 12 months, but we will share updates if guidance changes.
🔒 Resident Safety Is Our Priority
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to resident safety and public health. By acting quickly and following best practices, we can minimize risk and protect our most vulnerable.
Let’s stay alert, support one another, and work together to keep measles out of our communities.