DETROIT (WWJ) — Health officials in the city of Detroit have confirmed a case of measles in a 4-year-old child.
It is the fifth case to be confirmed in Michigan in 2024, including two in Washtenaw and Wayne Counties and one in Oakland County.
The Detroit Health Department recorded the case Tuesday and is alerting the public to "the possibility of exposure" in three healthcare facilities where the child was brought for treatment:
• Acadian Urgent Care, 2117 Springwells, Detroit, April 1, 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
• Rite Health Pharmacy, 5851 West Vernor, Detroit, April 1, 1:45 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Children's Hospital of Michigan Emergency Room, Beaubien Blvd., Detroit, April 3, 5:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
The Detroit Health Department is working with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and other partners to "investigate the situation and prevent additional cases."
The family of the child with measles is following all isolation protocols, according to the health department. At this time, no other cases of measles have been associated with this incident, including among family members of the child who was suspected on April 3 and confirmed on April 9, health officials said.
Health officials say measles is highly contagious and because it can stay in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area, anyone who was present at the previously listed locations may have been exposed.
Anyone present at the above times and dates who is experiencing symptoms or has experienced symptoms should contact their healthcare provider for guidance.
Anyone who has potentially been exposed should monitor themselves for symptoms for 21 days. If symptoms develop, such as fever, respiratory symptoms, or rash, call ahead before visiting a doctor, urgent care, or emergency room so precautions may be taken to avoid exposing others.
"Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease that is spread by direct person-to-person contact, and through the air," said Detroit Health Department Chief Public Health Officer, Denise Fair Razo. "While this case appears to be a single isolated case at this time, we want everyone to be aware that measles is so contagious that 90 percent of unvaccinated people who are exposed to measles will become infected."
In general, individuals who have received two appropriately spaced doses of the measles vaccine (MMR) are considered immune. Additionally, adults born before 1957 or who have evidence of prior measles illness are considered immune.
Measles can lead to serious complications including hospitalization, long-term illness, and death. About one in five people who get measles will be hospitalized, according to health officials.
Symptoms of measles usually begin within seven to 14 days of exposure, but can appear up to 21 days after exposure and may include:
• High fever (may spike to more than 104 degrees)
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
• Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums and roof of the mouth two to three days after symptoms begin
• A rash that is red, raised, blotchy; usually starts on the face and spreads to the body
• Anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to measles can receive the MMR vaccine and begin receiving benefits within 72 hours.
• Exposed individuals who cannot receive the MMR vaccine, or who have been exposed more than 72 hours ago may be able to receive post-exposure treatment, which may prevent measles if received within six days of exposure.
More information on measles can be found on the Detroit Health Department or MDHHS websites.
