3 new measles cases confirmed; one in Detroit, 2 in Oakland County
(FOX 2) - Three more measles case has been confirmed, this time in Detroit and another in Oakland County.
The discovery brings the state count to 43 total - all of which are in Southeast Michigan. However, one of the cases had exposure in Kent and Ingham Counties - including Grand Rapids.
A third measles case (second new case in Oakland County) was reported just before 5 p.m. Wednesday. No new exposure locations related to the third new case.
However, the outbreak continues to grow with another case being identified. Following the discovery of the 43rd case, health officials are warning of possible exposure sites at several locations including gas stations in Lansing and Grand rapids:
- April 10, Beis Chabad of North Oak Park, 15401 West 10 Mile Road, Oak Park, 7:45 –10 p.m.
- April 11, Beis Chabad of North Oak Park, 15401 West 10 Mile Road, Oak Park 7:45 –10 p.m.
- April 11, Speedway Gas Station, 6041 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing, 11 p.m. – 1 a.m.
- April 12, Baymont by Wyndham Grand Rapids Airport, 2873 Kraft Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, approximately 12 – 3 a.m.
- April 12, BP Gas Station, 1166 Encorse Road, Ypsilanti 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- April 12, Urgent Care Med Express 3100 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 1 – 6 p.m.
- April 12, Congregation B’Nai Israel, 15400 West 10 Mile, Oak Park, 5 – 7:30 p.m.
- April 13, Beis Chabad of North Oak Park, 15401 W 10 Mile Rd, Oak Park 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The measles vaccine is highly effective and very safe. A single dose of measles vaccine is about 93% effective. After two doses, it's 97% effective. The first of two routine childhood measles vaccine doses is given at 12-15 months of age. A second vaccine dose is given before the start of kindergarten, between ages 4 and 6 years.
Victims range in age from 8 to 63 but are primarily adults and the best prevention is an MMR vaccine. The vaccine contains a weakened live virus that cannot cause measles but can result in positive lab tests.
The MMR vaccine also has the potential to cause a mild rash and fever, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says. This is a vaccine reaction, not measles, and the individual is not infectious.
The measles vaccine is highly effective and very safe. A single dose of measles vaccine protects about 95 percent of children, but after two doses, almost 100 percent are immune. The first of two routine childhood measles vaccine doses is given at 12-15 months of age.
A second vaccine dose is given before the start of kindergarten, between ages 4 and 6 years. MDHHS follows Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance and does not recommend routine measles vaccinations for children less than 12 months of age unless there is a suspected measles exposure; there is thought to be an imminent measles exposure such as being in areas of known measles; or international travel planned.
This is the highest number of measles in the state since 1991 when 65 cases were reported. So far this year, there have been 387 cases of measles confirmed in 15 states.
The virus can live for up to two hours in the air where the infected person was present. Symptoms of measles usually begin 7-14 days after exposure, but can appear up to 21 days after exposure and may include:
High fever (may spike to over 104˚F).
Cough.
Runny nose.
Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis).
Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums, and roof of the mouth (Koplik Spots) 2-3 days after symptoms begin.
A rash that is red, raised, blotchy; usually starts on face, spreads to trunk, arms, and legs 3-5 days after symptoms begin.
The outbreak started in mid-March and has resulted in 39 cases in Oakland County, one in Wayne County, and now this one in the City of Detroit. An unrelated measles case was confirmed in Washtenaw County when an international traveler was diagnosed with the disease.
MDHHS is working closely with local health departments to identify possible exposure locations for these latest cases. Michiganders are urged to contact their healthcare provider or local health department about getting vaccinated for measles if they have not been vaccinated. A complete listing of local health departments is available at Malph.org/resources/directory.
Because measles can be spread through the air by an infected person, the public is being alerted to the potential exposures. A person with measles is contagious for four days before and four days after the rash appears. A person can be infected with measles just by being in the same room as an infected person, even up to two hours after the infected person has left.
Fox 2 is tracking the virus through Michigan with an interactive map. You can click through it below: