The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency is urging residents in all three counties to get vaccinated against measles following new cases in Michigan and Indiana.
Heidi Hazel, Director of Personal Health and Disease Prevention, emphasized the seriousness of measles, which is a highly infectious disease with severe complications.
Residents are encouraged to check vaccination status and schedule appointments at local health department offices.
Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, and rash, with patients becoming contagious before the rash appears.
Officials say the measles vaccine is safe and effective, and adults born after 1956 are advised to get vaccinated.
Vaccine doses are available at health agency offices.
For more information, contact your local Health Department Office.
In Hillsdale County call 517 437 7395.
In Branch County call 517 279 9561.
You can find more information on the web at www.bhsj.org.