Flu, Measles Among Highest Cases in 2013

Health officials say flu, measles and pertussis were among the diseases the state saw higher cases of during 2013. But according to figures released by the Department of Community Health, chickenpox, West Nile Virus and typhoid were among the diseases that had fewer instances last year. Flu cases diagnosed and reported increased to over 5,700 in 2013 compared to over 3,000 in 2012 and was the highest number diagnosed in five years. Once, decades ago, measles were common in Michigan. But with vaccinations the disease was nearly wiped out in the state.