State and local health officials report potential exposure to measles after two cases among Oakland County residents.

Both cases arrived at the Detroit Metro airport around 5 pm October 23, and anyone who could come in contact with it should monitor the symptoms for 21 days after exposure.

"Measles is a very contagious respiratory infection." said Leigh-Anne Stafford, health officer of Oakland County. "Vaccination is the best way to protect our families and communities from vaccine-preventable diseases, such as measles."

Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease that is transmitted through direct person-to-person contact and by air by a contagious person who sneezes or coughs.

The virus can live for up to two hours in the air where the infected person coughs or sneezes. The symptoms of measles usually begin 7 to 14 days after exposure, but may appear up to 21 days and may include a high fever, a cough, tiny white spots on the internal tiles, gums, and the roof of the mouth, as well as a raised and red speckled rash.

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