In light of new cases of measles being reported in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana, the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency (BHSJCHA) is urging St. Joseph, Hillsdale, and Branch County residents to get vaccinated.

The BHSJCHA is urging residents to get vaccinated for measles, if they have not done so already, and check on their vaccination status if they’re not sure.

“Measles is one of the most highly infectious diseases. Anyone who has not had the disease, or who has not been fully immunized is susceptible,” Heidi Hazel, Director of Personal Health and Disease Prevention said. “Measles is a vaccine-preventable respiratory infection that can have very serious complications, including secondary infections resulting in hospitalization, pneumonia, encephalitis, blindness, and even death.”

Signs and symptoms of measles can begin with a fever, red eyes, cough, and runny nose, followed by a red, raised body rash that begins on the head and face, and then spreads to the rest of the body. Measles patients are also said to experience eye pain and sensitivity to light.

Officials say cases can become contagious a few days before a rash appears, which could increase the possibility of spreading the disease to others unknowingly.

The measles vaccine is recommended for anyone born in 1956 or later. A total of two doses are recommended, with the first being administered at 12 months of age, and the second between 4- and 6-years-old.

Children and adults can get vaccinations at any of the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency offices. To schedule an appointment and for immunization questions, please give your local office a call:

Branch County Office: 517-279-9561 ext. 100

Hillsdale County Office: 517-437-7395 ext. 336

St. Joseph County Office: 269-273-2161 ext. 208