Southeast Michigan is experiencing a measles outbreak. While there are no cases in our area yet, measles is one of the most contagious illness there is. We at the District Health Department #10 are urging everyone to be sure you and your children have been fully vaccinated.
Measles is a virus that spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can live up to two hours in the air. Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, nearly everyone that has been close to that person well get measles unless they have been vaccinated or are immune. A person is considered immune to measles if they have had the disease, been vaccinated, or born before 1957.
Symptoms of Measles:
Symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and can include:
- High fever (may spike to over 104⁰ F)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- A rash that is red, raised and blotchy and starts 3 to 5 days after the other symptoms begin
- Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums and roof of the mouth
About 1 out of 4 people who get measles will be hospitalized and measles can lead to pneumonia, brain damage, deafness, and death.
Vaccination is the best defense against measles!
Measles Outbreak Information
CDC: Measles Outbreak and Cases
Families and Individuals
CDC: About Measles
CDC: Measles Information for Travelers
CDC: Measles Vaccination
IVaccinate
MDHHS guidance for families
Medical Providers
CDC: Measles Information for Healthcare Providers
CDC: Measles Vaccination for Healthcare Providers
MDHHS Investigation Guidelines for Measles
Measles Specimen Collection (MDHHS)
Measles Prevention and Exposure Guidance for Healthcare Personnel
Schools, Daycares and Camps
Measles Vaccine: Our Best Protection (MDHHS)
Colleges/Universities