Get the facts:

Did you know 314 cases of measles have been confirmed in 12 states between January 1 and March 21 in 2019? The states that have reported cases to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Texas, and Washington.

Measles cases have reached 22 in Southeast Michigan (as of March 26, 2019)
Cases have been confirmed in both Oakland and Wayne counties

Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease that is spread by direct person-to-person contact, and through the air.

Measles can spread quickly in communities where people are not vaccinated. Children and anyone else who are not protected against measles are at risk of getting infected.

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) 2-3 days after symptoms begin.
• A rash that is red, raised, blotchy; usually starts on face, spreads to trunk, arms, and legs 3-5 days after symptoms begin.

If symptoms develop, residents are urged to not visit their doctor or emergency room unless they have called ahead so they can take precautions to prevent exposure to other individuals.

You can protect your child against measles with a combination vaccine that protects against three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). The MMR vaccine is proven to be safe and effective.

CDC recommends that children get two doses:

• the first dose at 12 through 15 months of age, and
• the second dose before entering school at 4 through 6 years of age.

Although measles is usually considered a childhood disease, it can be contracted at any age. Teens and adults should also be up to date on their MMR vaccination.

Take Action. Get Vaccinated.

Call 888-217-3904, option #2 to make an appointment at your local DHD#10 office. DHD#10 can bill most insurances to cover the cost of vaccination. Don’t let the cost of vaccines prevent you from receiving a vaccination. DHD#10 uses a sliding-fee scale for the cost of vaccine administration and has programs available to cover the vaccine for children and adults who qualify.

Residents with questions about vaccines can visit IVaccinate.org. For more information about measles activity in Michigan, visit https://www.cdc.gov/measles/cases-outbreaks.html.