The first two cases of measles in Michigan in 2014 were identified in Grand Traverse County yesterday (Thursday). According to the Grand Traverse County Health Department, the cases originated in two unvaccinated adults who had recently returned from traveling to the Philippines. That country has been experiencing a major measles outbreak since last year and has had more than 50,000 cases and 100 deaths in 2014.

According to Dr. Michael Collins of the Health Department, “Measles is a highly contagious infection caused by a virus that is spread through the air. It can be quite serious, especially for young children under five and for adults, especially those with other chronic illnesses.” The best way to protect against the disease is to get vaccinated with the MMR (measles/mumps/rubella) vaccine, which is "very effective and safe," according to the Health Department.

The Health Department is working to directly contact those who may have been exposed to the disease. Several close contacts have been isolated and are being monitored for symptoms, which include fever, runny nose, cough, loss of appetite, “pink eye,” and a rash. The rash usually lasts 5–6 days and begins at the hairline, moves to the face and upper neck, and proceeds down the body. At this point no area schools are believed to be affected by the disease, say officials.

In addition to the measles cases, the Health Department continues to monitor a whooping cough outbreak that has resulted in 49 confirmed cases of the disease in the community to date. Additionally, nine cases of parapertussis – a bacterial illness similar to whooping cough, but milder and not preventable by vaccine – have been identified in the county. One of those cases was mistakenly originally diagnosed as whooping cough in a student at The Children's House in Traverse City.

Says Health Officer Wendy Trute of the measles cases: “It is hard to believe that yet another vaccine-preventable disease that is highly contagious and can be very serious has surfaced in our county. These two examples are why public health promotes immunizations – to protect the public from these horrible diseases that can be prevented if everyone does their part to protect themselves, their family and friends, and the community as a whole.”