Measles Outbreaks Hit 8 States as Michigan Sees Its First in Five Years

Michigan is officially on the measles outbreak map again, reporting its first confirmed cases in five years. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has verified a case in Oakland County, followed closely by a separate outbreak in Montcalm County, which saw three more confirmed cases.

Altogether, eight cases have popped up in the state so far in 2025, making this Michigan’s first measles outbreak since 2019. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an 'outbreak' means three or more cases with a common source—so we’re not talking about a single unlucky sneeze here.

Michigan isn’t alone in this. Seven other states—Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and California—have all declared measles outbreaks this year. As of April 10, the CDC has counted a whopping 712 cases nationwide.

MDHHS chief medical executive Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian didn’t mince words, saying the Michigan outbreak shows just how contagious measles can be and how fast it spreads. She reminded everyone that the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella) is still the best defense, providing 97% protection when you get both recommended doses. Residents are being urged to check their vaccination status and get up to date if needed.

The Montcalm County cluster appears to be connected to a larger, ongoing outbreak in Ontario, Canada. Good news for now: as of April 17, no new public exposure sites have been identified in Michigan.

Measles is particularly risky for the unvaccinated, especially school-aged kids—who seem to be getting more than just homework these days. Symptoms generally start seven to 14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and a signature rash that begins on the face before spreading elsewhere.

The message from MDHHS and local health departments is clear: if you’re at least one year old and haven’t had your MMR shot, now is the time. Vaccines are widely available at doctors’ offices, most pharmacies, and local health departments. In a world where you can get a latte in under five minutes, there’s really no excuse for skipping the shot.