This child’s cheek shows the characteristic rash that is a symptom of measles. (From CDC)

ICHD Provides Advice on Vaccinations, Exposure Guidelines After Ingham County Measles Case

After the first Ingham County measles case since 1994 was announced earlier this week, the county health department provided information on how residents can stay safe and why some adults who have already been immunized against measles may need to get a new vaccination. 

A one-year-old girl contracted measles while traveling out of state, according to a press release from the Ingham County Health Department (ICHD). The child had recently received the measles vaccine but was exposed shortly afterwards–meaning there was not enough time after the vaccination was given for immunity to fully set in, according to an ICHD press release. 

Measles is a highly contagious and dangerous disease that is vaccine preventable. ICHD advises that it may take up to 21 days after exposure for symptoms to pop up. Symptoms include high fever, runny nose, cough, red or watery eyes, tiny white spots inside the mouth and a red blotchy rash that starts on the face, according to another ICHD press release. 

ICHD has advised of several potential measles exposure sites. People who were at the following locations at the following times may have been exposed:

April 4th 

  • Tractor Supply (W Grand River Ave, Lansing)-: 6:00pm – 8:30pm 

April 5th 

  • Okemos Farmer’s Market in Meridian Mall: 1:30pm – 4:30pm 
  • Aldi, Okemos: 2:30pm – 6:00pm 

April 6th 

  • Towar Hart Baptist Church, East Lansing: 10:30am – 2:00pm (Went to infant room during service) 
  • Toscana Restaurant, Lansing: 5:30pm – 9:00pm

April 8th 

  • MSU Community Music School: 5:30pm – 7:35pm (bathroom) 
  • University of Michigan Health- Sparrow Lansing ED: 6:00pm – 10:30pm

ICHD advises those who may have been exposed to monitor their symptoms for 21 days. If symptoms arise, contact your health care provider immediately. 

ELi reached out to ICHD for more information about the current risk to county residents, and the importance of being vaccinated against measles. The following responses to questions posed by ELi were prepared by ICHD staff, and relayed to ELi by ICHD Health Communications Specialist Ireland Ingram via email.

Q: With the announced measles case, what should Ingham County residents do to protect themselves and their children? Could you provide some information on when people should be vaccinated for measles and where vaccinations can be done?

The Ingham County Health Department urges residents to ensure that they and their children are up to date on the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is the most effective way to protect against measles. Measles is highly contagious—even a short exposure in the same room as someone with measles can result in infection if you’re unvaccinated.

Recommended MMR Vaccine Schedule:

  • Children should receive two doses:
    • First dose: 12–15 months of age
    • Second dose: 4–6 years of age
  • Teens and adults who are not already immune should also receive two doses, at least 28 days apart.

Where to get a vaccine:

  • Primary Care Providers
  • Pharmacies
  • ICHD Immunization Clinic, located at 5303 S. Cedar Street in Lansing. For appointments or additional information, please call 517-887-4316 or email Immunization@ingham.org

Q: The CDC advises that people who were vaccinated for measles prior to 1968 may need to be revaccinated. Can you explain why this age group may still be at risk, and which adults you would advise to receive another measles vaccine?

This guidance is based on how the measles vaccine evolved over time. Before 1968, some people received an inactivated (killed) measles vaccine, which has since been shown to provide incomplete protection. The live attenuated MMR vaccine, which has been used since 1968, is much more effective.

At-Risk Adults Who Should Consider Revaccination:

  • Anyone vaccinated between 1963 and 1967 should talk to their healthcare provider to confirm whether they received the live vaccine or the inactivated one.
  • Adults born in 1957 or later who:
    • Have no documentation of measles vaccination
    • Are not sure if they had measles in the past
    • Are in high-risk settings (healthcare workers, international travelers, college students)

A simple blood test can check for immunity if you’re unsure of your vaccination history.

Q: We’ve seen a decline in vaccination rates in some areas in the U.S. Is Ingham County seeing a decrease in the rate people are vaccinated for measles? Can you explain why the vaccination rate is so critical?

Yes, Ingham County—like many areas across the country—has seen fluctuations and, in some cases, a decline in childhood vaccination rates, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic due to disrupted healthcare visits and increased vaccine hesitancy.

Why Vaccination Rates Matter:

  • Measles is extremely contagious—up to 90% of unvaccinated individuals exposed to the virus will become infected.
  • We need at least 95% of the population to be vaccinated to maintain herd immunity, which protects those who cannot be vaccinated (like infants and people with certain medical conditions).
  • Even a small dip in vaccination rates can lead to outbreaks, especially in schools and childcare settings.

We encourage parents and caregivers to check with their child’s pediatrician and bring vaccinations up to date before the next school year.

Q: What else would you like Ingham County residents to know about the current measles outbreak or measles in general?

We want the community to know that measles is not a harmless childhood illness—it can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, brain swelling (encephalitis), and even death.

A few key reminders:

  • Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable illness that spreads through airborne transmission and direct contact.
  • Symptoms typically appear 7–14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash that starts on the face and spreads downward.
  • As of February 2025, MMR coverage for children aged 19 to 35 months in Ingham County is 83.3 percent, slightly above the state average of 80.0 percent. While this is encouraging, it remains below the threshold required for herd immunity.
  • If you believe you or your child has been exposed to measles or begins to show symptoms, do not visit your doctor or ER without calling ahead—this helps prevent further exposure.
  • Vaccination is safe, effective, and the best way to protect our community.

We thank Ingham County residents for taking this public health issue seriously and working together to keep our community healthy and safe.