WAYNE COUNTY (WWJ) Health officials confirm a second case of measles in Wayne County, and the seventh in Michigan in 2024.
In a press release; Wayne County Public Health (WCPH) said the latest case, associated with international travel, has been identified in an adult who lives in Wayne County. The person is "following all isolation protocols" while the WCPH and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services identify anyone who might have been exposed. WCPH is also notifying any possible contacts of the person.
WCPH has named the two "possible exposure" locations:
Michigan Medicine Canton Health Center waiting area, 1051 N. Canton Rd.
-July 25, between 10 a.m and 3 p.m.
-July 29, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Trinity Health IHA Urgent Care-Schoolcraft Campus, 19000 St. Joe's Parkway, Suite 140, Livonia
-July 27, between 12:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Anyone who was at the these locations during these times; and who is not fully vaccinated against the measles (two doses of the MMR) or who does not know their vaccination status; should reach out to the WCPH here for recommendations and monitoring, they said.
According to the WCPH; people who have been exposed "may be eligible" for post-exposure treatment with the goal of preventing measles or making the illness "milder." They should also monitor themselves for up to 21 days from the date of exposure for:
-Fever
-Cough
-Red, watery eyes
-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 trunk, arms and legs three to five days after symptoms begin
If symptoms develop, contact your doctor and notify them before you seek care so "steps can be taken to prevent exposure."
"Measles is so contagious that 90% of unvaccinated people who are exposed to the measles will become infected," the release read.
Measles spreads through droplets when an infected person, breathes, coughs or sneezes. The virus stays in the air for an average of two hours. Symptoms usually begin seven to 14 days after exposure, but can happen as late as 21 days.
Two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella vaccination) is 97% effective in preventing measles, the WCPH said.
"Measles vaccines are safe, effective, and easy to get." Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, Wayne County Health Officer, said in the release. "As we head into the back-to-school season, please protect your kids, your family, and your community by making sure your child is up to date on their vaccines."
Their statistics show the percent of Michigan children 4 to 8 years old who received the MMR vaccine dropped nearly 5% in five years (from 89.4% in 2017 to 84% in 2022).
The CDC says one in five unvaccinated people with the virus will be hospitalized. Up to three in 1,000 children who contract it will die. According to the CDC; children younger than five, adults older than 20, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems (i.e. with HIV or undergoing cancer treatment) are most likely to suffer severe complications from the virus.
According to the WCPH, Medicaid and most insurance plans cover the MMR vaccine at little to no cost. Learn more about measles resources and vaccines available in Wayne County here.
