HILLSDALE, COUNTY, MI (WTVB) – The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency has confirmed two cases of measles among residents in Hillsdale County.
The local agency is currently working in coordination with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to investigate the cases, evaluate potential public exposure sites, and notify anyone who may have been exposed to the highly contagious, airborne illness.
Residents are being strongly urged to review their vaccination records through their healthcare providers or the Michigan Care Improvement Registry to confirm their immunity status, which is typically established by previous infection, being born before 1957, or receiving the recommended doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine.
Medical Director Dr. Karen Luparello says that while measles spreads easily, the vaccine offers robust protection against the disease.
Symptoms, which can take up to 21 days to appear, include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic red, raised rash that begins on the face before spreading to the rest of the body.
Health officials advise anyone who develops symptoms or suspects exposure to call their healthcare provider before visiting a medical facility to avoid exposing others.
To assist the community, the agency’s Hillsdale office will host a special MMR vaccination clinic this Saturday, October 31, from 9 a.m. to noon, with both scheduled appointments and walk-ins.
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