Measles Cases Piling Up

State health officials say Michigan has had 10 reported cases of measles, through the end of February, twice as many as were reported in 2014 and the most cases in at least five years.

A weekly report on infectious diseases says that preliminary and further testing could show the number of cases is fewer. But if the cases are confirmed, it could prove a worrisome sign for future reports later this year of the disease, which was essentially wiped out of the state roughly a decade ago.

According to the report, there were seven reported cases of measles in just the last week of February.

Two of the reported cases were in Wayne County, which gives it two cases so far this year. One case was reported in Oakland County, which gives it three cases for the year. One case each was also reported in Berrien, Calhoun, Ingham and Kent counties.

In 2014 and 2013 each, the state reported five cases of measles. There was one case reported in 2012 and two in 2011.

According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, through February 27, there were 175 reported cases of measles nationwide, affecting at least 17 states including Michigan. Most of the cases were tied to an outbreak that occurred in Disneyland in California.