Measles Returns to Kent County: Second Case Confirmed in 2025
Kent County is dealing with an unexpected health challenge as a second case of measles emerges in 2025, after more than ten years without any reported incidents. This recent case has sparked concern among health officials and the public alike.
The Kent County Health Department has issued an alert regarding potential exposure to measles at the Helen Devos Children’s Hospital emergency room in Grand Rapids. This possible exposure occurred between 11:38 p.m. on Friday, June 27, and 12:06 a.m. on Saturday, June 28.
Individuals present at the hospital during these times are advised to stay vigilant for symptoms until July 19. The symptoms to watch for include:
- High fever, potentially exceeding 104°F
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Koplik Spots: tiny white spots inside the mouth, appearing 2-3 days after symptom onset
- A distinctive rash: red, raised, and blotchy, typically starting on the face and spreading to other parts of the body 3-5 days after initial symptoms
Kent County Health Officer Adam London expressed concerns over what he describes as a “troubling resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases,” highlighting the recent decline in vaccination rates since the COVID-19 pandemic as a contributing factor. Health officials have pointed out that this decline is leading to preventable outbreaks.
Measles is particularly alarming due to its high contagion rate. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that if one person contracts measles, there is a 90% chance that those around them will also become infected if they are unvaccinated.
Michigan has seen 17 measles cases so far this year, including two outbreaks, a significant increase compared to the same period last year.
The latest measles case in Kent County involves an individual whose family had recently traveled abroad, underscoring the importance of vaccinations and monitoring when traveling to regions with higher rates of infection.
—
Read More Michigan News
