Ingham County Health Department sends letter to parents regarding measles
Dear Ingham County School Families,
We hope this message finds you well. We understand that recent news regarding measles cases in our area may be concerning, and we want to share some important information to help keep your school community informed and protected.
On Monday, April 14, the Ingham County Health Department confirmed the first case of measles in our area since 1994. A second case was confirmed on April 22. Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can lead to serious health complications. Common symptoms include fever, cough, sneezing, and a blotchy rash. Measles is the most contagious vaccine-preventable disease. A person with measles can spread the virus from four days before to four days after the appearance of a rash. Without vaccination, up to 90% of individuals exposed to the virus may become infected. Please be advised that in the event of an outbreak, your child may be required to stay home from school based on their vaccination status
We recognize that vaccination is a personal choice, and Michigan law permits medical, religious, and philosophical waivers. Our intention in providing this information is to promote the health and safety of all students and families through increased awareness and education, so families can make informed decisions to protect their own health and the well-being of others.
The best protection against measles is the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine. According to the CDC:
One dose of the MMR vaccine is 93% effective at preventing measles
Two doses are 97% effective and offer lifelong protection
MMR vaccines are available through the following sources:
Your child's pediatrician or primary care provider
Urgent care centers (please call ahead to confirm availability)
Local pharmacies (check for age restrictions)
Ingham County Health Department clinics – visit https://hd.ingham.org for current hours and availability
As of February 2025, MMR vaccination coverage among children aged 19 to 35 months in Ingham County is 83.3%. This is below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity, which helps protect our most vulnerable community members, including infants and individuals with certain medical conditions who cannot be vaccinated.
We also want to remind families that students and staff should stay home if they are feeling unwell-especially if they have a fever, cough, or rash. Staying home when sick helps reduce the spread of illness and keeps others safe. If you think your child may have measles, please call your healthcare provider before going in, so they can take proper precautions to prevent the spread of the virus.
If you have questions about your child's vaccination status or wherew to receive the MMR vaccine, please conatct your healthcare provider.
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting the health and safety of our school community.
Ingham County Health Department, letter sent to community
and the Ingham County Health Department (ICHD) confirmed a second case of measles in an Ingham County child on April 24.
Officials say the case was confirmed in a one-year-old boy, who was exposed to the , which was confirmed last week.
The child with the second case was vaccinated and experienced 'mild' symptoms. Officials say that since he was isolated early, the risk of spreading it to the community is low.
Second case of measles confirmed in Ingham Co. child
Measles is a contagious disease that spreads through direct person-to-person contact and the air. It can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person coughs or sneezes.
If you were potentially exposed, monitor for the following symptoms for 21 days from the date of exposure:
High fever (potentially exceeding 104°F)
Cough
Runny nose
Red, watery eyes
Tiny white spots inside of the mouth
Red, blotchy rash starting on the face and spreading to the body
If you develop any of these symptoms, contact your health care provider immediately.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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