LANSING, Michigan: The Health Department in Michigan confirmed a measles outbreak in Montcalm County this week, marking the first such occurrence in the state since 2019.

The Michigan health department said Montcalm County has confirmed three cases at this time, bringing the total number of cases in the state to seven as of April 17. The department emphasized the importance of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, which offers 97 percent protection against the highly contagious disease.

Michigan health spokesperson Laina Stebbins told the Detroit Free Press that the state assists with "consultation and coordination" when measles cases are confirmed.

"We currently do not have additional outbreak cases under investigation," Stebbins said. "We continue to closely monitor exposed contacts for 21 days following their exposure, and Michigan's outbreak status will remain 'open' until two incubation periods have passed with no new cases.

"We recommend persons exposed to measles to monitor for symptoms for 21 days after an exposure.  The start of measles symptoms after exposure generally occurs within 10-14 days.

"Given the experiences of other states and the drop in childhood MMR coverage in Michigan, we are expecting our measles activity in Michigan to continue.  Importation of measles cases may continue to occur, but sustained measles outbreaks are preventable with community immunity."