The Monroe County Health Department is reporting a case of measles and alerting the public to the possibility of exposures at multiple locations.
The health department is working with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Washtenaw County Health Department to investigate the situation and prevent additional cases.
“This case is a reminder of how easily measles can spread among those who lack immunity,” JamieDean, Health Officer/Director of the Monroe County Health Department said in an announcement. “Anyone not vaccinated is likely to become ill if exposed. We strongly encourage our community to educate themselves about their immunization status and to get vaccinated if they are not protected.”
The measles virus can live for up to two hours in the air, individuals who were present at the following locations during the listed dates and times may have been exposed:
Anyone at the above locations during the specific times should monitor themselves for symptoms for21 days. If symptoms appear, call ahead before visiting a doctor, urgent care or emergency room so they can take precautions to avoid exposing others, according to the health department.
Individuals with two, appropriately spaced doses of measles vaccine (MMR) are considered immune.Additionally, adults born before 1957 or who have evidence of prior measles illness are considered immune.
For children, the first dose of MMR vaccine is routinely given at about 12 months of age, and the secondstarting at 4 years of age. The first dose can be given as early as 6 months. Contact your health care provider, pharmacy or the health department at 734-240-7800 for vaccination and guidance.
For those who are not already immune to measles, vaccination or medication (IG) may be given after exposure in some cases to prevent measles (post-exposure prophylaxis):
Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease that is spread by direct person-to-person contact, and through the air. Symptoms of measles usually begin 7-14 days after exposure, but can appear up to 21 days after exposure and may include:
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Monroe County reports measles case, potential exposures
Reporting by Liz Shepard, The Monroe News / The Monroe News
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