MIDLAND HEALTH DEPARTMENT REPORTS FOURTH MEASLES CASE IN MIDLAND COUNTY

(May 6, 2025)

MIDLAND COUNTY -- The Midland Health Department has confirmed a fourth case of measles in a toddler.

The Midland Health Department is working to identify exposures and notify exposed individuals.

Symptoms of Measles

Symptoms typically appear seven to 21 days after exposure and may include:

• High fever (above 101°F)
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
• Tiny white spots (Koplik spots) inside the mouth (2-3 days after symptoms begin)
• A red, flat rash that starts on the face and spreads downward to the rest of the body (3-5 days after symptoms begin)

People with measles are contagious from four days before the rash appears to four days after it develops.

What To Do If You Have Been Exposed or Have Symptoms

If you believe you have been exposed to measles or are experiencing symptoms:

• Stay home to prevent spreading the virus to others.
• Call your healthcare provider or the Midland Health Department before visiting a medical facility to arrange testing in a way that minimizes exposure to others.
• If you decide you want to be seen at your doctor’s office or at a healthcare facility such as an emergency department or clinic, PLEASE CALL THEM FIRST and inform them you were possibly exposed to measles.
• Monitor for symptoms for up to 21 days after exposure.

Prevention & Vaccination

Vaccination is the best protection against measles. The Midland Health Department offers the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine for individuals who are unvaccinated. While no special vaccination clinics are currently planned, residents are encouraged to check their immunization records and speak with their healthcare provider about their vaccination status.

People born before 1957 are usually considered immune. Those who have received two doses of the MMR vaccine are also considered protected. Vaccination, even shortly before or after exposure, may prevent or lessen the severity of measles. In certain high-risk individuals (such as pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals, and unvaccinated infants), immune globulin given within six days of exposure may help prevent infection.

Stay Informed & Stay Protected

For more information on measles, visit our website or contact the Midland Health Department at 432-681-7613. Updates will be provided on our Facebook page to keep the community informed.