Measles Outbreak in Michigan: Hundreds Potentially Exposed, Urgent Vaccination Needed
In a concerning turn of events, potentially hundreds of people in Wayne and Washtenaw counties in Michigan have been exposed to the highly contagious measles virus. Two adults who had traveled internationally and had no record of measles immunization sought care for their symptoms at various healthcare facilities, including urgent care centers, a pharmacy, and hospital emergency departments. State health officials are now racing against the clock to prevent an outbreak among unvaccinated individuals who may have unknowingly come into contact with the virus.
The locations where potential exposures occurred include the emergency department/triage area at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital, the emergency department at Corewell Health Dearborn Hospital, the Henry Ford GoHealth Urgent Care, the WellStreet/Beaumont Urgent Care, and a CVS Pharmacy in Dearborn. The virus is highly infectious and can be transmitted even before the characteristic rash appears. Initial symptoms can be nondescript, making it difficult to identify those who may have been exposed. Furthermore, the virus can linger in the air for hours, increasing the risk of transmission in crowded and high-traffic areas.
Dr. Anurag Malani, director of hospital epidemiology, special pathogens, and antimicrobial stewardship at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital, emphasizes the importance of timely vaccination or treatment for those newly exposed to the virus. If individuals can receive the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine within 72 hours or be treated with intravenous immunoglobulin within six days of exposure, new measles infections can be prevented.
Efforts are underway to identify and provide post-exposure prophylaxis to those who were potentially exposed. Detailed examination of immunization records has allowed health officials to identify individuals who require vaccination or IV immunoglobulin treatment. At Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital, less than 10 patients were identified, including a couple of children who were either unvaccinated or partially vaccinated based on their age.
It is not just patients who were potentially exposed to the virus; healthcare workers at the affected locations also had exposure. Henry Ford Health and GoHealth, which jointly operate the urgent care center in Dearborn Heights, require employees to be immunized as a condition of employment. CVS Pharmacy and Corewell Health have also taken measures to ensure that anyone who may have been exposed seeks guidance from public health authorities.
Measles is a highly contagious and potentially dangerous disease, particularly for unvaccinated children, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems. The MMR vaccine is highly effective at preventing measles, with one dose being 93% effective and two doses being about 97% effective. Unvaccinated individuals who contract measles face a higher risk of hospitalization and complications such as pneumonia. Measles can also cause ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, and encephalitis, which can lead to convulsions, deafness, or intellectual disability.
The contagious nature of measles is a cause for concern. An infected person can unknowingly spread the virus up to four days before symptoms appear, making it difficult to trace potential exposures. The virus is so contagious that 90% of unvaccinated individuals who come into contact with it will become infected. Without widespread vaccination, health experts predict that more cases will emerge in the future.
To prevent further spread of the virus, health leaders are urging all Michiganders to ensure they have received the MMR vaccine. Individuals who have visited the affected healthcare facilities are advised to monitor themselves for symptoms of measles, including high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, tiny white spots on the inner cheeks and roof of the mouth, and a red rash that spreads from the face to the trunk, arms, and legs. Anyone experiencing measles-like symptoms should call their healthcare provider in advance to prevent potential transmission.
As of February 29, 41 measles cases have been identified in 16 states across the United States. The outbreak in Michigan serves as a reminder of the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Vaccines are readily available at pharmacies, doctors’ offices, and local health departments. In Wayne, Washtenaw, and Oakland counties, MMR vaccines are available at no cost or for a minimal fee for uninsured or underinsured individuals.
The measles outbreak in Michigan highlights the need for increased awareness and vaccination efforts. By taking proactive measures to protect ourselves and our communities, we can prevent the further spread of this highly contagious virus.
