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The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is encouraging people to get a measles vaccine after 15 confirmed cases have been reported in the state. (MGN Image)
MICHIGAN (WPBN/WGTU) — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is urging people to get a measles vaccination after more than a dozen cases have been reported in the state.
According to MDHHS, there have been 15 confirmed cases of measles in Michigan in 2018, which is the highest level the state has seen since 1994 when 26 cases were reported.
Measles is a vaccine-preventable respiratory infection that can result in hospitalization, pneumonia, encephalitis and death.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the illness has a 10–21 day incubation period and initially presents with a high fever, red eyes, cough, runny nose, photophobia and is followed by a red, raised body rash starting on the head and face that then progresses to the rest of the body. Individuals may be contagious for a few days before they present with symptoms, which increases the potential of exposing others to the infection.
Officials said 142 measles cases have been confirmed throughout the U.S. with many of the cases connected to international travel as of October 6.
Outbreaks have been reported throughout western Europe including in Romania, France, Greece and Italy.
In addition, Israel’s Ministry of Health recently reported more than 1,300 measles patients, including a toddler who died from the illness. The ministry believes that the disease was imported by tourists and visitors who infected an unvaccinated population, largely among the nation’s ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities.
“The increases in measles cases being reported drives home the importance of being up-to-date on vaccines,” said Dr. Eden Wells, MDHHS Chief Medical Executive. “Immunizations are the best way to protect our families and communities from the harmful, sometimes deadly consequences of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles.”
MDHHS officials said the measles vaccine is highly effective and very safe. Adults who do not have evidence of immunity against measles should get at least one does of the vaccine.
The first two routine childhood measles vaccine doses is given at 12 months of age and a second vaccine dose is given before the start of kindergarten.
For international travel, infants as young as 6 months should be vaccinated against measles. Measles vaccine, or other acceptable documentation of immunity to measles, is recommended for all persons travelling internationally.
In an effort to help parents protect their children from serious vaccine-preventable diseases, MDHHS is participating in the I Vaccinate campaign. I Vaccinate provides the facts parents need to make informed decisions about vaccinations. For more information about immunizations and the I Vaccinate campaign, visit their website.
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