Home / Health / Michigan Hospital Launches Rapid Measles Testing Amid Outbreak
Michigan Hospital Launches Rapid Measles Testing Amid Outbreak
9 Aug
Summary
- New in-house measles test offers rapid results
- Test available at UM Health-Sparrow, one of largest hospital labs in US
- Measles cases surging, with over 1,300 confirmed in US this year
As of August 9th, 2025, a Michigan health system has announced the launch of a cutting-edge in-house testing system for the measles virus. The new test, developed by UM Health-Sparrow, can provide rapid results to patients and is the first of its kind in the state.
The measles outbreak has been surging across the country, with over 1,300 confirmed cases reported so far this year. In Michigan alone, there have been 27 confirmed cases as of the latest update, a significant increase from the 7 cases reported throughout 2024.
To address this growing concern, UM Health-Sparrow, one of the largest hospital labs in the United States, has introduced the new nasal swab test that can be ordered by a physician. Patients can have the sample collected either at the hospital or from their vehicle, allowing for greater accessibility and convenience.
"We think that measles is not going to go away and we're going to see future outbreaks. This was part of making sure that we were prepared for that," said Jon Baker, the laboratories director for UM Health-Sparrow in Lansing.
The health system's decision to implement this cutting-edge testing system underscores the urgency in addressing the measles outbreak and ensuring that healthcare providers are equipped to handle any future surges in cases.
