Mar 31, 2017 10:10 AM EDT By Ava Jones, UniversityHerald Reporter

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Service reported the first measles case for this year in southeast Michigan. The patient is now currently recovering in the hospital. Since the case is due to exposure during international travel, emphasizing the importance of following proper vaccine recommendations is implemented.

Measles is highly contagious and is a serious disease brought by contracting virus that attacks the respiratory tract of an individual, according to the World Health Organization. This health condition is one of the leading causes of death among children, M Live reported. There have been 60 measles cases reported in the US from 2001 to 2012.

Meanwhile, 667 cases of measles were reported in 2014 alone. Five of those cases were from Michigan. The increase of measles cases are attributed to the decrease in vaccination.

MDHHS Chief Medical Executive Dr. Eden Wells said immunizations will protect people from this deadly disease, which is supposedly a vaccine-preventable disease, Outbreak News Today reported. People who are not sure about their vaccination history should talk to their doctor, she said. This is true especially among children.

Measles can lead to encephalitis, pneumonia, and even death. The signs and symptoms of this vaccine-preventable infection include red eyes, cough, high fever, runny nose, and photophobia. It is followed by raised red rash on the face and the head that later on spreads all over the patient's body.

Patients suffering this infection become contagious for a few days even before signs and symptoms surface. It means the potential for contracting the infection among family members and close friends are more likely to happen. High levels of immunity among communities are one of the best ways to prevent this respiratory infection.

MDHHS is currently working with local health departments in the state of Michigan to monitor measles cases in the area. Those that are potentially infected by the patient are now contacted to receive treatment and are followed up.

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