04/02/25 - First Adult Measles Case in Kent County in Over a Decade

Health officials say the person was traveling outside the country and across the state.

Measles has arrived in Kent County for the first time in a decade. The Kent County Health Department reports a man who traveled abroad had been exposed. This is the second reported case of measles in the state.

The person had been traveling across the state and out of the country back on March 24, when they were at the Coopers Hawk restaurant in Kentwood. They then traveled through the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, the Detroit Metropolitan Airport before returning to West Michigan.

A complete schedule of public locations where the person stopped is below.

There is no current word on this persons condition.

Measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person breaths, coughs, or sneezes. It can stay in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves, continuing to infect others. Symptoms typically begin 7–14 days after exposure, though they can surface as late as 21 days after exposure, and may include:

    High fever (may spike to over 104°F)
    Cough
    Runny nose
    Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
    Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums and roof of mouth (Koplik Spots) 2-3 days after symptoms begin
    A rash that is red, raised, blotchy; usually starts on face, spreads to trunk, arms and legs 3-5 days after symptoms begin

People who were at the above locations during the specified times should monitor for these symptoms for 21 days after exposure. Anyone experiencing symptoms is urged to call their healthcare provider before seeking in-person care to prevent further spread. The KCHD can be reached Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 616-632-7228. Individuals can call 2-1-1 for support during weekends and evenings.

The department says 90 percent of those without immunity and exposed to the illness will begin to develop symptoms associated with measles. And measles can live up to two hours after the exposed person leaves an area where coughing or sneezing has taken place.