The Michigan measles epidemic reaches Washtenaw County; free vaccinations offered



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The first case of measles was confirmed in Washtenaw County amid a larger epidemic in Michigan, county health officials confirmed.

Health officials have not revealed where residents may have been exposed to the virus or in which community he was probably contracted.

Of the 40 previously-verified cases in Michigan, 39 involved residents of Oakland County and one case was confirmed in a Wayne County resident. The age of those infected varies from 8 months to 63 years, said the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

A list of the exhibition sites in Oakland County is available here.

"If exposed, about 90 percent of people who have not been vaccinated or who have ever had measles will develop the disease," says the Washtenaw County Health Department.

The Washtenaw County Health Department is organizing two upcoming walk-in immunization events at 555 Towner Street in Ypsilanti.

  • Tuesday, April 9, 9am. at 19 'o clock
  • Wednesday, April 10 at 17h to 19 hours

Vaccinations are free for people with Medicaid or Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance, as well as for all uninsured or underinsured people, says the county.

Anyone with private health insurance should contact their health care provider for information on immunization.

"It is important that all residents of Washtenaw County be protected from measles, a highly contagious disease that can be prevented by vaccination," said the county. "Two doses of the vaccine (measles, mumps and rubella) are about 97% effective in preventing measles. One dose is 93% effective. "

There have been no confirmed cases involving students, staff or teachers in public schools in Ann Arbor, the district said.

Measles is an airborne disease that is transmitted from person to person. The symptoms usually appear one to three weeks after the contraction.

According to the Washtenaw County Health Department, symptoms include:

  • High fever
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Red and watery eyes
  • Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums and roof of the mouth 2-3 days after the onset of symptoms
  • A rash that is red, raised, stained; usually starts on the face, extends to the trunk, arms and legs 3 to 5 days after the onset of symptoms

For more information, call the Washtenaw County Health Department, 734-544-6700.

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