02-04-2025
Kent County records first measles case in 12 years
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A Kent County resident has measles, according to the health department.
It's the first confirmed case since 2013 and the this year, the Kent County Health Department said in a Tuesday night news release.
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The adult who was infected had recently traveled abroad and then to New Jersey. The county health department released specified days, times and places in Kent County where the public may have been exposed to the patient within the last week:
March 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant in Kentwood
March 25 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | Gerald R. Ford International Airport
March 25 from 11:20 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport Delta Sky Club near Gate A68
March 27-28 6:45 p.m. to midnight | Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
March 27-28 10:40 p.m. to 1 a.m. | Gerald R. Ford International Airport
March 28 1:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. | Corewell Health Family Medicine on Wealthy Street in East Grand Rapids
People who were at the above locations at the specified times should look out for symptoms, which usually begin 7-14 days after exposure but can surface as late as 21 days after.
People infected with the disease may have a high fever; cough; runny nose; red, watery eyes; tiny white spots on inner cheeks, gums and roof of mouth 2-3 days after symptoms begin; rash that is red, raised and blotchy that usually starts on the face and spreads to trunk, arms and legs 3-5 days after the onset of symptoms, according to the Kent County Health Department.
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If you are experiencing these symptoms, the health department urges you to call your healthcare provider before going in-person to prevent spread.
'Measles can lead to serious complications, especially in young children, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems,' wrote Dr. Kristin Oldenberg, medical director at KCHD in the release. 'Fortunately, the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and highly effective at preventing measles. Two doses of the vaccine provide 97% protection against the disease.'
To check your immunization status, visit the . The health department urges vaccination, especially if you have international travel plans or are going somewhere with an active measles outbreak.
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