Second Case of Measles Confirmed in Wayne County, Michigan
Health officials in Wayne County, Michigan have confirmed the second case of measles in the state since the 2019 outbreak. The case, which is not connected to the previous case in Oakland County, involves an adult who contracted the highly contagious disease through international travel. Measles is caused by a virus and can spread through direct person-to-person contact as well as through the air, with the virus able to survive in the air for up to two hours.
Efforts are underway to identify individuals who may have been exposed to the virus through this case. Health officials have provided a list of locations and times where possible exposure may have occurred. Anyone who was present at these locations during the specified times, who is not fully vaccinated or has not yet been contacted by officials, is urged to reach out for more information.
The locations of possible measles exposure include WellStreet/Beaumont Urgent Care in Dearborn on February 27 between 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., CVS Pharmacy (#8128) in Dearborn on February 27 between 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., Henry Ford GoHealth Urgent Care in Dearborn Heights on February 29 between 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., and Corewell Emergency Department in Dearborn on February 29 between 3 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Individuals who meet the criteria are advised to immediately contact the Wayne County Health Department with their name, best phone number, and address. Those who may have been exposed should monitor themselves for symptoms for up to 21 days from the date of exposure.
This recent case follows the confirmation of a measles case in a child from Oakland County on February 23, 2024. The child’s case is believed to be linked to international travel, and health officials do not believe anyone outside of the child’s home was exposed to the virus.
The last reported case of measles in Michigan prior to these recent cases was during the 2019 outbreak, which saw a total of 46 confirmed cases across the state. It is important to note that 90% of unvaccinated individuals who are exposed to measles will become infected. Measles can lead to serious health complications, particularly in children under the age of 5, with one in five people in the U.S. who contract measles requiring hospitalization.
In addition to Michigan’s recent case, there have been 41 reported cases of measles in 15 other states so far this year.
Signs and symptoms of measles typically appear seven to 14 days after exposure, although it can take up to 21 days for symptoms to manifest. Common symptoms include a high fever, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and the appearance of tiny white spots called Koplik spots inside the mouth. A rash may also develop three to five days after the initial symptoms, starting on the face and spreading to the rest of the body.
The measles vaccine is highly effective and considered very safe by health officials. Two doses of the vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles if exposed to the virus, while one dose is approximately 93% effective. Full protection is achieved two to three weeks after receiving the vaccine. In the event of exposure to the virus, individuals who are unvaccinated can still benefit from receiving the measles vaccine within 72 hours to reduce their risk of developing the disease. However, it is important to note that some individuals with weakened immune systems may not be eligible for vaccination.
Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive, emphasizes the importance of vaccination in preventing outbreaks of diseases like measles. She urges individuals to ensure they are up to date on all routine vaccines and encourages them to consult with their healthcare provider to confirm their vaccination status.
In 2019, Michigan experienced a significant measles outbreak with at least 46 confirmed cases. Nationwide, there were a total of 1,274 measles cases across 31 states that year, marking the highest number of cases reported since 1992. The majority of cases were among individuals who had not been vaccinated against measles. In comparison, there were 375 cases in 2018 and only 13 cases in 2020.
Michigan residents who have been vaccinated can check their immunization records through the state’s immunization portal. By creating or logging into a MiLogin account and providing identification, individuals can access their records and verify their vaccination status.
In conclusion, the recent confirmation of a second measles case in Wayne County, Michigan serves as a reminder of the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of this highly contagious disease. Health officials are working diligently to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed to the virus. It is crucial for individuals to monitor themselves for symptoms and seek medical attention if they believe they have been infected. Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect oneself and
