OSCEOLA COUNTY — The Central Michigan District Health Department has confirmed a case of measles in Osceola County and is urging residents to check their vaccination status and monitor for symptoms.
CMDHD is working with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to investigate the case. Potential public exposure sites are being evaluated and will be announced if identified.
According to the department, measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads easily through the air. An estimated 9 out of 10 unvaccinated individuals who are exposed will become infected. Roughly 1 in 5 people who get measles will require hospitalization.
“Measles is very contagious and spreads easily through the air,” said CMDHD Health Officer Steve Hall. “Anyone not vaccinated is at a higher risk of becoming ill if exposed.”
In 2025, more than 1,300 measles cases were reported across 40 states, according to health officials.
CMDHD advises residents to verify their protection by reviewing their immunization records. Individuals are generally considered protected if they meet one of the following criteria:
- They have received at least one dose of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. Children over 4 and adults at increased risk should have two doses for full protection.
- They have a documented immunity to measles.
- wereThey were born before 1957.
Symptoms of measles typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure but may take up to 21 days to develop. Common symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, tiny white spots in the mouth, and a red, raised rash that begins on the face and spreads to the body.
Anyone experiencing symptoms should contact their healthcare provider before visiting a medical facility to avoid exposing others.
The MMR vaccine is highly effective, providing approximately 93% protection with one dose and 97% with two doses. CMDHD offers the MMR vaccine at its clinics, and most insurance plans cover the cost. Free or low-cost options may also be available through the Vaccines for Children and Vaccines for Adults programs.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, residents can call CMDHD’s Personal Health department at 989-314-7570 or visit www.cmdhd.org/imms.
CMDHD serves the counties of Arenac, Clare, Gladwin, Isabella, Osceola, and Roscommon and is a member of the Northern Michigan Public Health Alliance.