Tag Archives: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

884 measles cases confirmed across the United States; Michigan and Kent County health officials react to the arrival

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(Courtesy, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, MDHHS)



By Greg Chrapek
WKTV Contributor
greer@wktv.org


Health departments and health officials across Michigan and Kent County are transitioning from preparing for the arrival of measles to reacting to the arrival of the disease, which was once officially considered eliminated in the United States in the year 2000.

Measles began its comeback in the United States in February and early March in the Southwest United States, specifically New Mexico and West Texas. 

884 cases across the United States, 9 in Michigan

Since then, cases of measles have been spreading across the nation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the latest numbers have shown an increase of cases with 30 states in the U.S. reporting cases. According to the CDC, a total of 884 cases are confirmed across the nation as of April 24. In the state of Michigan, as of April 24, there have been nine confirmed cases of measles according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). A total of four outbreak cases of the measles has been reported by the MDHHS with the outbreak located in Montcalm County in West Central Michigan. Locally, the first case of measles was reported in Kent County on April 1. The measles case in Kent County was the first reported in Kent County since 2013.

Along with measles, the state of Michigan has also seen an uptick in cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough. In 2024 Michigan reported 2,081 cases of pertussis, a 19-fold increase from 2023 and the third consecutive annual rise. So far in 2025, the state has already reported nearly 700 pertussis cases, including 112 in infants under age 2, the age group most at risk for severe complications.  

“Measles is a highly contagious disease that continues to circulate both in the U.S. and globally,” said Dr. Adam London, Health Officer at the Kent County Health Department. “This case is a reminder of how quickly measles can spread and the importance of vaccination. We urge residents to check their immunization status, especially if planning to travel internationally or into areas with active measles outbreaks.”

On April 24, healthcare officials from around the state of Michigan convened for a conference call to address the state of measles in Michigan and discussed ways to address the issue and keep the public up to date on the situation.

One of the main points of emphasis by the panel, that included Michigan Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive for the State of Michigan, was the need for vaccinations.

“These numbers are alarming, and this resurgence is preventable,” Dr. Bagdasarian said. “Diseases like measles and pertussis are highly contagious and potentially deadly, especially for infants and young children. We have safe, effective vaccines that protect against these illnesses – vaccines that have been available for decades. Let’s use all the tools at our disposal to protect our most vulnerable.”



(Courtesy, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, MDHHS)



Vaccine rates have been falling in recent years and that has enabled diseases like the measles and pertussis to mount a comeback.

According to the MDHHS, vaccination rates for young children in Michigan have declined over the past decade. As of March 2025, only 71.5% of Michigan children ages 19 to 35 months had received four or more DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) doses. MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine coverage for this age group was 79.4%. Only 68.4% of young children in Michigan have received all the vaccines recommended to protect them from 14 serious diseases by the time they’re 2-years old. Pertussis (whooping cough) often begins with mild cold-like symptoms, but progresses to severe coughing fits that can last for weeks. More than half of infants who get pertussis need to be hospitalized, and complications can include pneumonia, brain damage and death.

“Vaccination is not simply a personal choice, it is a public health responsibility that protects the entire community, particularly those at highest risk for serious health consequences,” said Dr. Rachel Klamo, a family physician and president of the Michigan Academy of Family Physicians. “We encounter vaccine-preventable illnesses daily and are seeing cases of once-rare diseases, such as measles, the consequences of which can be life-long and devastating. For physicians, this is heartbreaking because it is preventable.”

“Up-to-date vaccines are key in protecting children against measles”

Up-to-date vaccines are key in protecting children against measles which is easily spread. According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, measles is a disease caused by a virus. It is one of the world’s most contagious diseases. The MDHHS website also states that 90% of persons without immunity to measles will become ill after exposure to the virus. It also states that measles can live for up to two hours in an airspace after an infected person leaves an area.

The MMR vaccine, recommended starting at age 1, offers long-lasting protection against measles. Michigan’s recent outbreak was linked to a large, ongoing outbreak in Ontario, Canada.



(Image Courtesy, pxhere.com)



“Parents deserve accurate, science-based information about vaccines,” said Veronica Valentine McNally, president of the Franny Strong Foundation and founder of the I Vaccinate campaign. “When families are informed, they choose to protect their children. That’s why we created IVaccinate.org—to empower Michigan parents with the facts they need to make confident decisions.”

The I Vaccinate campaign is a nationally recognized joint initiative of the Franny Strong Foundation and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, supported by the CDC and every major health and medical organization in the state.”

Parents especially need to know that the DTaP vaccine is recommended at 2, 4 and 6 months, followed by boosters at 15-18 months and 4-to-6 years to protect against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. The MMR vaccine is recommended at 12-to-15 months and again at 4-to-6 years. The vaccines are available through pediatricians, most pharmacies and local health departments. Children eligible for the Vaccines for Children program can receive vaccines at no cost from enrolled providers.

“With vaccine-preventable diseases making a comeback in our state and across the country, this is not the time to let our guard down,” said Dr. Bagdasarian. “This is a good time to call your health care provider and make sure your family is up to date on vaccines.”

Cleaning tips to keeping a healthy homes

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By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

A lot has happened over the weekend from the governor announcing a shutdown of all bars and restaurants dine-in services until April 6 to many area schools offering to step in and make sure no child goes hungry during this time.

Within only hours of Kent County Health Officer Dr. Adam London signing a Public Health Emergency Order for the county, Governor Gretchen Whitmir announced that as of 3 p.m. today all bars and restaurants will shutdown in-dining services. Carry-out will be available at many locations, so call or text first to check on availability.

Many other businesses must comply with a 50 percent occupancy. So if the building’s occupancy capacity is 100, during the lock-down it may only have 50. This is to encourage social distancing, which means to stay at home as much as possible. If you must go out, it is recommended to be six to 10 feet away from the other person. According to the Centers for Disease Control, social distancing has been one of the key factors to help China and South Korea keep the coronavirus under control or at least curb its spread.

The Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan recently sent out a newsletter with tips from the CDC on how to make your home healthy when it comes to the COVID-19 (coronavirus).

Those guidelines start with the recommendation to clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily in household common areas. Those surfaces include tables, hard-backed chairs, doorknobs, light switches, remotes, handles, desks, toilets, and sinks. How do you do that? Follow these simple guidelines:

Wear disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. Gloves should be discarded after each cleaning. Clean hands immediately after gloves are removed.

If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

For disinfection, you can use diluted household bleach solutions, alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, or an EPA-registered household disinfectant.

If you have a child with asthma, always separate the child from the room being cleaned to avoid the bleach triggering an asthma attack, and do not over-concentrate your cleaning solution.



Prepare a bleach solution:

  • 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water, or
  • 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water
  • Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. 

Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims are expected to be effective against COVID-19.

For soft (porous) surfaces such as carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes, remove visible contamination if present and clean with appropriate cleaners indicated for use on these surfaces. After cleaning, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely, or use products with the EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims (examples at this link) that are suitable for porous surfaces.

Follow these guidelines from the CDC to keep your children and family safe during this time.

Active living and diabetes

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Walk Your Pet — Pets love to go outdoors, even on miserable weather days.

By Gretchen Stelter, Michigan State University Extension

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends physical activity to help control type 2 diabetes. This does not mean you have to endure more workouts, but incorporating activities into your daily routine will help. As always, talk to your health care provider before you change any daily routine that may affect your diabetes.

 

Focus on Movement: Forget the term exercise and replace it with movement. Thirty minutes of movement in 10-minute blocks is great. So, how can you do this?

  • Stroll With a friend: Time passes quickly as you strike up a conversation while walking.
  • Clean Your Home: To boost your calorie burn, dust, vacuum or scrub floors, to music: this will make you move faster and enjoy the chores more.
  • Walk Your Pet: Pets love to go outdoors, even on miserable weather days. Many times, they will take you on a nature adventure!
  • Gardening: You will use muscles you are surprised you have with all the digging, watering and stretching. Keep using them and as time goes by the muscles will not hurt.
  • Parking: If safe, park in the space furthest from the building. Those extra steps definitely add up!
  • Track Your Steps: Many phones have “FIT” apps on them or find a pedometer. You will feel more motivated as those steps add up and you will find you have a little completion with yourself.
  • TV Time Movement: During every commercial break get up and move. Stretch, dance or walk around the house. Do jumping jacks or march in place while watching the commercial. In one hour of TV you can accomplish 20 minutes of movement!

Everyone wants to be healthier. “Exercise and controlling your weight will help. If you have a goal to lose 5 percent of your body weight, this 5 percent will reduce health risks that are factors with diabetes such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and the action of insulin.” According to the CDC, you not only will have the above health benefits, but also the energy to do more activities.

 

With the onset of spring, try new activities. The fresh air, walking, visiting with friends and spring-cleaning will give you a new positive attitude and help control your diabetes.

 

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. Reprinted with permission. For more information, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit http://expert.msue.msu.edu, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888.678.3464).

Creating a home that is not only better, but smarter and safer

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By Peg Cochran

Marketing Communications Manager, Holland Home

 

Aging brings changes that may make your current home difficult to navigate or potentially unsafe. A smart home is one that uses traditional adaptive tools and smart home technology to create a safe environment. Smart homes make it possible for people to stay in their own homes and remain independent longer than ever before.

 

What is a smart home?

 

A smart home is equipped with technological tools and adaptive devices that make the home safer and more comfortable for older adults. These products offer an advantage to caregivers as well, by making their job easier and providing them with peace of mind.

 

There are options for every room in the house that can be customized to your unique needs, from simple grab bars in the bathroom to high-tech appliances that can be controlled with your mobile device.

 

Bathroom

 

The bathroom is one of the most common places for safety issues.  Accidents in or around the tub or shower account for more than two-thirds of emergency room visits. And, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, older adults are particularly prone to injury while getting off the toilet.  The bathroom can be made a safer place with a few adjustments such as grab bars around the tub or shower and toilet, a no-lip shower, higher toilets and anti-scald faucets. Flooring should be non-slip. In addition, motion activated nightlights are available to make middle of the night trips to the bathroom safer.

 

Kitchen

 

Kitchens are the number one area for home fires caused by cooking. Electric stoves and ranges are now available with an automatic shut-off feature that makes cooking safer.  There are also devices that will allow you to control your appliances with your smart phone, making it possible to turn off an oven or stove burner remotely.

 

Living Area and Bedroom

 

According to the National Institute for Health, falls are the leading cause of injury to seniors. Fall prevention methods include dual handrails along stairs, stair gates, low pile carpeting or wood floors, and raised outlets. Motion activated nightlights are also recommended. Nightlights can also be positioned under the bed and can be programmed to go on as soon as an individual gets out of bed.

 

Health Safety

 

Technology has advanced to the point where it’s possible to monitor a person’s vital signs remotely, including blood pressure, weight, heart rate, pulse oximetry, and blood sugars, which allows for preventative and proactive care.

 

Numerous styles of medication dispensers are available, to keep medications safe, provide auditory and visual reminders, and dispense medication as needed.  Some styles can be programmed to communicate with a caregiver as well, ensuring compliance.

 

“Some of this new technology and many of these adaptive devices are standard in our residences,” said Michael Loughman, Director of Sales for Holland Home, a senior retirement community with three campuses in Grand Rapids. “Other items are available upon request. We care about the safety of our residents and clients and want to help them maintain their independence as long as possible.”

 

For more information, call Holland Home at 616-643-2730.

Metro Health Receives State Approval to Perform Elective PCI

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metro health building

 

Metro Health has received approval from the state of Michigan to perform Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention, or PCI, services in its cardiac catheterization laboratories at Metro Health Hospital.

 

Metro announced today that it has received approval from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to perform this life-saving service, restoring blood flow through heart vessels by using catheters with balloons and stents, without on-site Open Heart Surgery (OHS) services. The decision clears the way for Metro Health to expand services for its patients throughout West Michigan.

 

For more than a decade, Metro Health physicians have been performing the procedure on the most critical patients, those suffering a heart attack when they enter the hospital. Now, Metro Health will be able to offer this service to its patients who enter the hospital with chest pain or other conditions prompting diagnostic procedures which lead to elective, or scheduled non-emergent, PCI.

 

Previously, Metro Health patients requiring elective PCI had to be transferred to facilities that also offered back-up OHS services. A change in state regulations, prompted by quality data showing that PCI programs without OHS services in other states and Europe have quality indicators as high as those programs with OHS services and acceptance of the practice by the American College of Cardiology, made it possible for MDHHS to approve the Certificate of Need, or CON,  request.

 

“Being able to offer elective PCI to our patients without transferring them to other institutions is a win for patient care and something patients have asked for,” said Paul Kovack, a cardiologist at Metro Heart and Vascular. “This decision will help us keep patients in their medical home and provides choice to patients. Additionally, it will cut down on unnecessary duplicate testing, costly ambulance transfers and delays in care, making care more timely and less costly.”

 

The MDHHS decision comes after a long effort to update Michigan PCI regulations to mirror those of other states and countries that have long allowed elective PCI without OHS backup.

 

“The CON process is valuable in holding down costs for Michigan residents, but it can be challenging to update regulations to reflect new medical research,” said Michael Faas, president and CEO of Metro Health. “It is a delicate balancing act to keep up with medical advances and hold down healthcare costs. We are pleased with this patient-driven decision and know that Metro Health patients will benefit from this update and our ability to provide the services they need, when they need them.”

 

PCI, also known as angioplasty, is a non-surgical procedure that uses a thin flexible tube, or catheter, to access blood vessels in the heart which are narrowed or blocked by plaque buildup, or atherosclerosis, and reopen them. The procedure is performed by an interventional cardiologist who gains access to blood vessels in the heart through the femoral artery in the groin or the radial artery in the wrist. A small balloon is then inflated to push away the plaque, thus opening the blood vessel for blood flow, and a stent can be placed to keep the plaque pushed to the walls of the blood vessel, thus maintaining the blood vessel open for blood flow.

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for more than 600,000 deaths each year.

 

The PCI procedure lasts from 30 minutes to several hours and provides patients with a number of benefits:

  • Increased blood flow through the blocked artery
  • Decreased chest pain
  • Increased ability to be physically active