(WWJ) Health officials have confirmed the first possible measles exposure location in Macomb County.
The Macomb County Health Department said Thursday it's been notified a confirmed case of measles visited a Macomb Township Bank of America branch on Tuesday, March 19.
Anyone who entered the bank building, located at 45194 Romeo Plank Road, between noon and 2 p.m. that day may have been exposed to measles, according to health officials.
**See a complete list of exposure locations HERE
This comes amid an outbreak of measles in metro Detroit, with 21 cases now confirmed in Oakland County and one in Wayne County since March 13, with patients ranging in age from 11 to 63.
Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease that is spread by direct person-to-person contact and through the air. The virus can live for up to two hours in the air where the infected person was present. Symptoms of measles usually begin seven to 14 days after exposure, but can appear up to 21 days after exposure and may include:
• High fever (may spike to over 104°F)• Cough• Runny nose• Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)• Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums and roof of the mouth (Koplik Spots) two to three days after symptoms begin• A rash that is red, raised, blotchy; usually starts on the face, spreads to the trunk, arms and legs three to five days after symptoms begin
Anyone who may have been exposed should watch for symptoms for 21 days after exposure. If symptoms develop, people are urget NOT to visit a doctor or hospital emergency department unless they call ahead so that heath care providers can take precautions to prevent the exposure of other people.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says it is working closely with the Oakland and Wayne County health departments to identify possible exposure locations. Known exposure sites in Oakland County are listed at Oakgov.com/health. Additional sites of potential exposures, including those in Wayne County, may be identified as more information becomes available.
Are you protected? Measles vaccination is recommended for everyone born on or after January 1, 1957. Individuals should receive two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine with the first dose administered at 12-15 months of age and the second dose at 4-6 years of age. Those born on or after January 1, 1957 who have not been vaccinated or who are uncertain about their measles immunity should be vaccinated.
People unsure about their vaccination status, or who have questions about vaccines, should ask their doctor.
Those with questions can also call the Oakland County Health Division Nurse on call at 800-848-5533, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. or email noc@oakgov.com.
