The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention designates measles as a highly contagious virus. As cases increase around the world and with one recently confirmed in Oakland County, Grand Rapids Public Schools has sent out a letter alerting its community.
Though none have been reported in West Michigan, the district is working with the Kent County Health Department as residents prepare for the spring break travel season.
According to the CDC, there have been 35 confirmed cases of measles in the U.S. so far in 2024. It’s the most contagious virus known to infect humans, transmitted by direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person, breathes, coughs or sneezes.
GRPS is encouraging student and staff immunization. The CDC says one dose of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, or MMR, is approximately 93% effective at preventing measles and two doses is 97% effective.
As such, one dose of MMR is required for preschool-age children and two is required for school-age children attending the GRPS district, unless they have a waiver.
You can call the Kent County Health Department to schedule an appointment for your MMR vaccine.
A copy of the letter sent by GRPS can be found here.
