Ottawa County health officials urge caution as measles cases climb ahead of spring break

OTTAWA COUNTY — As spring break travel approaches, Ottawa County health officials are monitoring a national surge in measles cases, advising residents to verify their vaccination status before heading to popular vacation destinations.

No cases have been confirmed within Ottawa County to date, but the virus is gaining a foothold elsewhere. Michigan recently recorded its first three cases of 2026 in Washtenaw County, and outbreaks have been reported in frequent travel hubs, including Florida, Arizona, South Carolina, Utah and Ontario.

A highly contagious threat

Measles is recognized as one of the most infectious diseases globally. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected individual has left a room. One of the most challenging aspects of measles is the transmission window, as individuals are most contagious three to four days before the signature rash appears.

"Measles is one of the most contagious diseases we know of," said Dr. Gwen Unzicker, the county's medical director. "The good news is that most people in our community are protected. If you’re not sure about your family’s immune status, now is a good time to check — especially before any spring break travel."

Health officials say the majority of residents are likely protected, but they urged families to confirm their records. Immunity is generally categorized by:

• Two doses of the MMR vaccine: Provides 97% protection
• One dose of the MMR vaccine: Provides 93% protection
• Birth year: Those born before 1957 are generally considered naturally immune.

For those unsure of their status, doctors can quickly verify records. Officials noted that receiving an additional "booster" dose of the MMR vaccine is low-risk and highly recommended for those traveling to areas with active outbreaks.

Recognizing symptoms

Symptoms typically manifest 7-21 days after exposure. The Department of Health outlines a specific progression to watch for:

1. Initial phase: Fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes.
2. Koplik spots: Tiny white spots appearing inside the mouth.
3. The rash: A red, blotchy rash that begins at the hairline and migrates downward.

If symptoms develop, patients are advised to contact their doctor or urgent care before arriving. This allows facilities to implement isolation protocols and prevents the virus from spreading to vulnerable patients in waiting rooms.

Exposure, vaccination access

Unvaccinated individuals exposed to the virus may reduce the severity of the illness if they receive the MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure. However, those without immunity may be required to quarantine for up to 21 days to prevent community spread.

The MMR vaccine is widely available at local pharmacies and primary care offices. Some residents may also qualify for vaccinations at health department clinics.

For more information or to check eligibility, contact the Ottawa County Department of Public Health at 616-396-5266 or visit miOttawa.org/measles.

— Submitted by the Ottawa County Department of Public Health. To submit a news tip, email newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.