News & Media
Influenza and Measles Update: National Overview and Michigan Focus
Influenza activity is increasing nationwide and in Michigan as the respiratory virus season continues. CDC surveillance indicates widespread flu activity across much of the country, with rising outpatient visits for influenza‑like illness, increased emergency department utilization, and growing numbers of flu‑related hospitalizations, especially among older adults and young children.
Michigan is experiencing a similar trend: flu‑like illness visit percentages have climbed well above baseline, emergency room visits are rising rapidly, and outbreaks have been reported in schools and long‑term care settings. Recent data show that influenza‑like illness visits jumped from roughly 4.4 % to about 7.5 % in one week, and statewide emergency departments are seeing flu drive more visits than COVID‑19 or RSV in some regions. Hospitals around the state reported hundreds of patients with influenza, highlighting a season that remains active and impactful for health care systems. Michigan saw more than 33,000 flu hospitalizations during the 2024–25 season, with more than 3,100 weekly hospitalizations at peak, and 14 pediatric flu deaths, the highest recorded since tracking began. Local vaccination coverage remains low, raising concerns about continued illness and severe outcomes.
At the same time, measles activity remains elevated nationally, with more than 2,000 cases reported in the United States in 2025, one of the highest totals in decades. Most cases have been linked to outbreaks in under‑vaccinated communities, often following international travel. Public health officials continue to emphasize that measles remains highly contagious and that maintaining high coverage with the two‑dose measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is essential to preventing sustained transmission.
Michigan has reported multiple measles cases during this period, including a confirmed outbreak in Montcalm County linked to cross‑border exposure from Canada, as well as additional cases in other counties across the state. Many cases have involved individuals who were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status. State and local health departments continue surveillance, case investigation, and contact tracing to limit further spread.
For physicians, the overlap of influenza and measles activity underscores the importance of prevention, early recognition, and clear patient communication. Physicians are encouraged to ensure patients are up to date on recommended vaccinations, including influenza and MMR, to promptly isolate and report suspected measles cases, and to reinforce evidence‑based guidance on vaccination as a critical tool in protecting both individual patients and public health during the respiratory virus season.
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