Michigan’s lucky streak is over, folks. Oakland County just confirmed the state’s first measles case of the year, and naturally, it comes with a side of public health panic. The patient, an adult returning from an overseas trip in late February, brought back more than just souvenirs and questionable airplane snacks. Symptoms hit days later, landing them in the hospital.

Now, local health officials are scrambling, warning the public about potential exposure. Why? Because the patient made the rounds – dining at a Rochester restaurant and visiting an emergency room, spreading viral cheer.

Measles, for those who forgot thanks to vaccines and common sense, is highly contagious — as in “if-you’re-in-the-same-room-you-might-get-it” contagious since measles can live for up to two hours in the air where an infected person coughed or sneezed.

The disease was officially eradicated in the U.S. back in 2000 according to the CDC, but here we are, dusting off those old history books, thanks to overseas vacations, the invasion of illegal aliens, and parents who are anti-vax.

Unfortunately, Michigan isn’t alone. Texas and New Mexico are dealing with their own outbreaks this year too, with nearly 300 cases nationwide, according to the Associated Press.

Tragically, two unvaccinated individuals have already died from the disease.
So, what’s next? Health officials are urging Michiganders to check their vaccination records because no one wants to relive the days of measles parties and calamine lotion.