Urgent Health Warning Issued for Muskegon County
Muskegon County health officials are alerting the public to a potential measles exposure incident. Public Health – Muskegon County (PHMC) has issued a warning after an individual with a confirmed measles infection was present at a local movie theater.
Were You Potentially Exposed? Check Dates and Location
The potential exposure occurred at the Cinema Carousel, located at 4289 Grand Haven Rd, Muskegon, MI 49441 (in Norton Shores).
Health officials advise that anyone who visited this location on Thursday, June 12, 2025, between 5:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., may have been exposed. Individuals who were at the theater during this specific five-hour window should monitor themselves for symptoms. The monitoring period extends through July 3.
Understanding Measles: Symptoms and Contagion
Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease caused by a virus. It spreads easily when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and the virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after they leave an area. Without immunity, approximately 90% of people in close contact with someone infected will contract the disease.
Key symptoms of measles typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure, though they can take up to 21 days to manifest. Initial signs often include:
High fever
Coughing
Runny nose
Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
These symptoms are usually followed by a characteristic rash that appears on the face and neck before spreading down the body.
Measles poses significant risks, particularly for vulnerable populations like young children, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems. Potential severe complications include pneumonia and brain swelling, which can sometimes be fatal.
What to Do if You Were There or Develop Symptoms
If you were at the Cinema Carousel during the specified time on June 12th:
- Monitor for symptoms through July 3rd.
- Check your vaccination status. If you are unsure if you’ve had measles or received the MMR vaccine, contact PHMC.
- If you begin to develop measles symptoms, call your healthcare provider immediately. It is crucial to call ahead before visiting any clinic, urgent care, or emergency department. This allows staff to take precautions to prevent potential spread to others in waiting areas.
For those unsure of their vaccination status, you can contact Public Health – Muskegon County directly at 231-724-1220.
Measles Activity in Michigan and Beyond
This potential exposure in Muskegon County occurs amidst increased measles activity across Michigan. As of June 24, 2024, the state had reported 16 measles cases this year, significantly higher than typical annual counts, with cases identified in multiple counties including Allegan, Kent, and Oakland. A related outbreak was recently declared in Grand Traverse County.
State health officials are also monitoring the situation in neighboring Ontario, Canada, where a major outbreak has seen over 2,000 cases since last fall, though numbers there are reportedly trending downwards.
Nationally, 2024 is shaping up to be a concerning year for measles, with 1,227 cases reported in the U.S. by June 24, approaching the 2019 total and potentially reaching the highest count since 1992.
PHMC is collaborating with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) as part of the ongoing investigation into this potential exposure.
Prevention is Key: The MMR Vaccine
Health officials universally stress that the safest and most effective way to protect yourself and the community against measles is through vaccination. The Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine is widely available.
One dose of the MMR vaccine is approximately 93% effective at preventing measles infection.
Two doses provide even stronger protection, with about 97% effectiveness.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends two doses for children before age 6. Unvaccinated teens and adults can also receive two doses administered at least 28 days apart. Individuals born before 1957 or those vaccinated as children according to earlier guidelines are generally considered protected.
Muskegon County Health Officer Kathy Moore commented on the situation, stating, “We know there are positive measles cases in Michigan and we know we should proceed with caution. The risk of illness is always around us, and we each have a personal responsibility to be aware and protect our health.”
Staying Informed and Protecting Yourself
Staying informed about public health alerts and maintaining up-to-date vaccinations are vital steps in preventing the spread of highly contagious diseases like measles. For weekly updates on the status of measles in Michigan, visit the Michigan Measles Dashboard provided by the state.
