Beginning April 2, Michigan’s updated car seat law will require all children under age 2 to be secured in a rear-facing car seat when traveling in a vehicle.

The change aims to enhance safety and reduce injuries in crashes, aligning with recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Previously, state law required child safety seats but did not specify rear-facing seats for infants and toddlers. Under the new regulations:

• Children under 2 must be in a rear-facing car seat unless they exceed manufacturer height and weight limits.

• Violations could result in fines and points on a driver’s record.

Local law enforcement and health officials urge Alger County parents to check their car seats for compliance. Free car seat inspections are available through UP Health System– Munising and local fire departments to help families ensure proper installation.

For more details, visit michigan. gov/carseatsafety.

Measles case in

Michigan raises national concerns

A measles case in Michigan has prompted public health officials to warn of an increased risk nationwide. The virus, known for being highly contagious, was recently confirmed in an Oakland County adult with a history of overseas travel.

Measles typically begins as a respiratory infection before spreading, causing fever, cough, white mouth lesions and a widespread rash. Complications can include pneumonia, meningitis and encephalitis, a dangerous brain inflammation.

Health officials urge parents to watch for early symptoms and seek immediate medical attention if a child develops a fever.

Travel and spring break gatherings could accelerate the spread of the virus.

The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine remains the best protection, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention citing 97% effectiveness for those fully vaccinated.

The CDC reports 301 confirmed measles cases across the country so far in 2025, up from 285 cases in 33 jurisdictions in 2024.

For more information, visit cdc.gov.