The number of measles cases in southeastern Michigan is now below 30

LANSING, MI – According to public health officials, the number of confirmed measles cases in Michigan is now 30, of which 29 in Oakland County. On Monday, the Center for Disease Control announced that the nationwide epidemic was the second largest since the elimination of the disease in 2000.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services advises residents who have not been vaccinated to do so as soon as possible. The vaccine begins to act within 72 hours of administration. However, the illness can take up to three weeks to make a person sick after exposure.

In a press release issued by the MDHHS, it is stated that the following locations offer vaccines in Oakland and Wayne counties:

The Oakland County Health Division (OCHD) is offering vaccination at its Southfield and Pontiac offices on Monday, from 8:30 am to 6 pm. and from Tuesday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5 pm Since 14 March, the OCHD has vaccinated more than 1,900 people. For more information, call 800-848-5533. Please note that these offices are not test centers:

• North Oakland Health Center, 1200 North Telegraph Road, Building 34 East, Pontiac
• South Oakland Health Center, 27725 Greenfield Road, Southfield

The Wayne County Health Department offers walk-in immunization at 33030 Van Born Road, Wayne on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8am to 11am and from 12:30 to 4pm. and Wednesday from 11h to 14h. and from 3:30 pm to 7 pm Call 734-727-7101 for more information.

Symptoms of measles include a high fever, a cough, a runny nose, red and watery eyes, tiny white spots in the mouth and a red rash on the face that spreads to the extremities.

Important points to remember:

• Unvaccinated persons should be vaccinated within 72 hours of exposure. If you do not have documentation on two measles vaccines (MMR) from a doctor or Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR), if you have been vaccinated or have ever had measles, contact your supplier. of health care or visit a place above to get vaccinated.
• Immunoglobulin (Ig) treatment is effective within 6 days of exposure in high-risk individuals including those who are unvaccinated or uncertain about immunization status, pregnant women, and people whose immune systems are weakened by diseases such as HIV, malnutrition and / or medication.
• If symptoms occur, do not go to your doctor or emergency unless you call in advance. so that they can take precautions to avoid exposure to other people.
• Stay home if you are sick and do not allow visitors to go home because measles is very contagious. The virus is transmitted by direct contact from person to person and by air. He can live in the air up to two hours in the presence of the infected person.
• Watch for symptoms for 21 days after a potential exposure. Call your preferred health care provider if symptoms appear and you think you have been exposed.
• Measles is a serious disease that can make people very sick. The complications of measles can be serious and include: pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), ear infections (which can lead to permanent hearing loss), premature births and / or underweight babies in pregnant women.