What you need to know about exposure, the symptoms

Michigan health officials confirmed that an Israeli traveler infected with measles could have transmitted the virus during his visit to Oakland County from March 6 to 13.

The traveler, who visited businesses, a religious institution and a synagogue, also traveled to New York City, which is currently experiencing the worst measles epidemic in decades. Measles is also spreading nationwide. A total of 228 measles cases in 12 states were reported from the beginning of the year to March 7, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that can be prevented by vaccination. It spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can stay in places where she has coughed or sneezed for two hours.

Measles is so contagious that almost 90% of people close to an infected person will also be infected if they are not immunized by vaccination or prior measles infection, according to the CDC. A person with measles can be contagious four days before the onset of a rash and will continue to be four days later.

Where did the measles infected person go in Michigan?

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Oakland County Health Division say people may have been exposed to measles at the following times, dates, and locations:

• Lincoln Liquor & Rx, 25901 Coolidge Highway, Oak Park: 12:20 to 2:45 pm Friday, March 8
• Jerusalem Pizza, 26025 Greenfield Road in Southfield: 11:30 to 14:30 Tuesday, March 12, Wednesday, March 13
• One Stop Kosher Market, 25155 Greenfield Road in Southfield: Every day from March 6th to 13th
• Ahavas Olam Torah Center, 15620 W. Ten Mile Road, Southfield: Daily from March 6 to 13
• Congregation Yagdil Torah, 17100 W. Ten Mile Road, Southfield: Every day from March 6 to 13
• Yeshiva Gedolah of the Great Straits, 24600 Greenfield Road, Oak Park: Every day from March 6th to 13th
• Kollel Institute of Grand Detroit, 15230 Lincoln Street to Oak Park: Every day from March 6 to 13

Health officials say other potential exposure sites could be identified as more and more details become available.

What should you do if you have been exposed to measles?

For people who still need to be vaccinated and have been potentially exposed, health officials say that being vaccinated within 72 hours of exposure can limit the risk of contracting the disease. In addition, your doctor may offer effective immunoglobulin (Ig) therapy within six days of exposure to people at high risk of getting measles.

Unvaccinated pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems, such as HIV and diabetes, as well as people taking medications that weaken their immune systems, are the most at risk.

Anyone born in 1957 or earlier is considered immune to measles.

If you think you have been exposed, health officials suggest monitoring the symptoms for 21 days after exposure. If symptoms occur, it is essential to contact the doctor's office you are consulting first to take precautions to prevent others from being potentially exposed to measles.

What are the symptoms of measles?

The symptoms of measles usually appear about seven to 14 days after infection, but they can appear as long as 21 days after exposure. According to the CDC, measles infections usually begin with:

• high fever, may exceed 104 degrees
• cough
• runny nose
• red and watery eyes

About two or three days after the onset of respiratory symptoms, tiny white spots, called Koplik spots, are often visible on the gums, roof of the mouth and cheeks.

In addition, a raised red spotted rash that usually starts on the face before spreading to the trunk causes the appearance of arms and legs.

"Immunization is the best way to protect our families and communities from vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, especially in the light of recent outbreaks at the national and global levels," said Dr. Russell Faust, Medical Director. of the Oakland County Health Division, in a press release.

Why health experts support vaccinations

The World Health Organization has included The reluctance to vaccinate, which is the refusal to be vaccinated against vaccine-preventable diseases, is one of the top 10 threats to global health in 2019.

More: The vaccine debate ignites as a measles outbreak threatens Michigan

More: The hepatitis A epidemic in Michigan is the worst in the United States. What you need to know.

In Michigan, the Public Health Code requires that children enrolled in public or private schools, nurseries and approved nursery schools be vaccinated. Kindergarten children should be vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, polio, chickenpox and hepatitis B before starting their studies. Children entering seventh grade must also be vaccinated against meningococcal disease.

Unless there is a medical reason to exempt children from vaccination, parents who wish to opt out must obtain a waiver from the county health department to enroll their children in the clinic. # 39; school. They may request waivers allowing them to skip vaccines if they have philosophical or religious objections.

In Oakland County, about 4.8% of schoolchildren obtained immunization waivers in 2017, the last year for which data on immunization waivers were available. In some areas of Michigan, up to 1 in 10 school-age children have obtained a waiver to be dispensed from the vaccine prescribed by the school.

Terri Adams, a nurse and section chief in the Immunization Division of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, explains Terri Adams and other unvaccinated Michiganers who are at risk for life-threatening diseases such as measles, whooping cough and mumps. Press for a previous interview.

"In Michigan, we have had the highest number of measles cases in the last year in 24 years," said Adams, noting that the state had confirmed 19 in Washtenaw and Oakland counties in 2018.

Where can I get vaccinated for measles?

The combined measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is available at the offices of Oakland County Health Division at 1200 N. Telegraph Road, Building 34 East, Pontiac and at 27725 Greenfield Road, Southfield. Many pharmacies and doctors' offices can also provide vaccines.

The Oakland County Health Division accepts health insurance, as well as the Medicaid program, Medicare, Vaccines for Children (VFC), cash and credits. VFC offers free vaccines for eligible children. The vaccine is given in two doses, each dose costing $ 71, and an additional $ 7 per vaccine.

The Oakland County Health Division said no one would be denied a vaccine because he was unable to pay. A reduced / slippery rate is also available.

Contact Kristen Jordan Shamus at 313-222-5997 or at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @kristenshamus.

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