STURGIS, MI (WTVB) – Health officials have confirmed two cases of measles in St. Joseph County, marking the latest infections amid a broader statewide increase.
The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency announced over the weekend that it is working with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to investigate the cases and conduct contact tracing.
Authorities have identified two specific public exposure sites: the WellNow Urgent Care in Sturgis on Monday, Nov. 2, between 1:15 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., and the Three Rivers Health Emergency Department waiting area on Thursday, Nov. 5, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m..
Bordering LaGrange County just across the state line has one of the largest measles outbreaks in Michiana with 31 cases, Measles cases have also been confirmed in Hillsdale and Steuben Counties.
Unvaccinated individuals who visited either of these locations during the designated windows are urged to contact the health department at 269-273-2161 (ext. 241) and monitor themselves for symptoms for 21 days.
Early indicators of the highly contagious virus include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, which are typically followed by a distinct rash that spreads from the face to the rest of the body.
Public health officials recommend that anyone exhibiting these symptoms stay home and call their doctor’s office before seeking medical attention in person to avoid spreading the virus to other vulnerable patients.
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