(WWJ) Michigan now has four confirmed cases of the measles.
A resident of Montcalm County, northeast of Grand Rapids, recently contracted measles after traveling out of state, according to health officials.
No information about the patient has been released, but the Mid-Michigan District Health Department — which covers Clinton, Gratiot and Montcalm counties — said it's working with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to determine potential areas of exposure.
"At MMDHD, we take action to protect, maintain, and improve the health of our community. Measles is a serious disease, and we want to make sure that our residents are safe," Liz Braddock, health officer for the MMDHD, said in a news release Wednesday.
"If you have recently traveled to regions with known measles outbreaks, and you are not vaccinated against measles, you should consider getting vaccinated as quickly as you can. It is important to make sure you protect yourself and families from this vaccine-preventable disease."
Michigan's other three cases were in Macomb and Oakland counties, according to the health department.
As of April 3, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was reporting 607 confirmed cases, and two deaths, in 22 states.
Health officials are strongly urging vaccinations, saying 90% of unvaccinated people who are exposed to measles will become infected. Infected individuals can spread measles before noticing symptoms, including four days before the rash appears. Symptoms of measles usually begin 7-14 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 face, spreads to trunk, arms and legs three to five days after symptoms begin
If symptoms develop, call your doctor, urgent care, or hospital before seeking treatment so steps can be taken to prevent exposure to other individuals.
The health department says the measles vaccine is highly effective, very safe and provides long-lasting protection. A single dose of measles vaccine is about 93% effective at preventing measles, while two doses are about 97% effective. It is also effective if used within 72 hours of measles exposure to prevent illness.
Vaccination is available from at your family doctor's office, pharmacies, and most local health departments.
To learn more about measles, visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Measles Update webpage.
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