Health Officials Identify Measles Exposure Sites in Washtenaw and Wayne Counties
Health officials in Washtenaw and Wayne counties have identified several locations that may have been exposure points for measles after an individual tested positive for the virus. While it is yet to be determined if these exposure sites are connected, officials are urging anyone who visited these locations to take precautionary measures.
Washtenaw County officials have stated that an individual with measles was present at the Trinity Health Ann Arbor Emergency Department in Ypsilanti on March 1. If you were in that area of the hospital between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., you are considered at risk.
In Wayne County, four locations have been identified as possible exposure sites. These include WellStreet/Beaumont Urgent Care in Dearborn on February 27 between 4-5:30 p.m., CVS Pharmacy on S. Telegraph Road in Dearborn on February 27 between 4-6:30 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 Health Department in Dearborn on February 29 between 3-8 p.m.
Measles is highly contagious and can linger in the air for up to two hours after exposure. Therefore, individuals who visited any of the aforementioned locations may be at risk of contracting the virus. If you were present at these sites and are not immune to measles, it is crucial to contact your local health department immediately.
While symptoms can take up to 21 days to appear, receiving treatment within six days of exposure may prevent the development of measles. The Wayne County Public Health Department emphasizes that administering the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine within 72 hours of exposure can also prevent the virus from taking hold.
If you were present at any of the exposure sites, it is important to monitor yourself for potential measles symptoms for the next 21 days. These symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums, and roof of the mouth two to three days after symptoms begin, and a red and blotchy rash that typically starts on the face and spreads to the trunk, arms, and legs three to five days after symptoms begin.
For further information and assistance, you can contact the Washtenaw County Health Department at 734-544-6700 or the Wayne County Public Health at 734-727-7000.
It is crucial for individuals who may have been exposed to measles to take immediate action. By being proactive and seeking medical attention, we can prevent the further spread of this highly contagious virus. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and prioritize your health and the health of those around you.
