Michigan baby contracts measles after passing through airport, exposed to contagious person following MMR vaccine. However, the baby had been vaccinated too recently to develop full immunity, said Dr. Nike Shoyinka, Ingham County’s medical health officer.
“Immunity typically develops about two weeks after the shot,” Dr. Shoyinka explained during a news briefing on April 15. “While the child had one dose, she was still susceptible during that window.”
Despite exposure, the child showed only mild symptoms. She is currently isolating at home and doing well.
Day Care Exposure and Multiple Sites Identified
The child also attended a Lansing day care while infectious. About 50 children, staff, and visitors were potentially exposed. Health officials are tracking contacts and matching vaccination records.
Multiple public exposure sites were identified in Lansing, East Lansing, and Okemos between April 4–8. The exact airport visited was not disclosed, but it aligns with other recent exposure reports involving Detroit Metro and Gerald R. Ford Airports.
The Ingham case is Michigan’s fifth in 2025 and the first in Ingham County since 1994.
National Spike in Measles Cases
The U.S. is currently experiencing its largest measles outbreak since 2019. As of April 11, the CDC confirmed 712 cases across 24 states. Most cases involve unvaccinated individuals. Texas alone has reported over 560 cases and two deaths among unvaccinated children.
“Vaccination is the best protection,” Shoyinka emphasized. “We encourage all families to check their child’s immunization records.”
MMR Vaccine Guidance and Symptoms
The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine. One dose provides 93% protection. Two doses increase effectiveness to 97%.
Common symptoms include:
- High fever
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- White mouth spots (Koplik spots)
- Rash starting on the face, spreading downward
Anyone exposed should monitor for symptoms up to 21 days post-contact and call ahead before seeking medical care.
Source: USA today
