Case of measles confirmed in Detroit after overseas travel
DETROIT (FOX 2) - The Detroit Health Department says a person who lives in Detroit has a confirmed case of the measles.
The patient has the measles after traveling overseas, though the department didn't specify where. The department also didn't specify how old the patient is.
The person also went to their physician's office in Macomb County, and everyone who was exposed at that location was directly notified. Those who were at the emergency department at Children's Hospital of Michigan on Tuesday, July 16, 2019 from 12:30 pm to 9:30 p.m. may have also been exposed. The hospital says they're tracing those who were there at the time and may have come into contact with the patient.
Please call the Detroit Health Department Immunizations Clinic at 313-876-4667 to determine if you or your child are considered a measles risk and in need of additional treatment to lower the risk of contracting measles. The Detroit Health Department also encourages residents to contact their primary care provider or one of the following clinics:
Detroit Health Department Immunizations Clinic (Located at the Samaritan Center)
5555 Conner Street, Detroit, MI 48213, 313-876-4667
Friday, July 20 - 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Saturday, July 21 - 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Macomb County Health Department
Friday, July 19, 2019 Open 11:30 am -4:30 pm at the following locations:
Mt. Clemens Health Center
43525 Elizabeth Road
Mt. Clemens, MI 48043
586- 469-5372
Southwest Health Center
27690 Van Dyke, Ste. B
Warren, MI 48093
586-465-8537
Open: 11:30 am - 4:30 pm
Monday, July 22, 2019
Open 8:30 am - 4:30 pm at the following locations:
Mt. Clemens Health Center
43525 Elizabeth Road
Mt. Clemens, MI 48043
586-469-5372
Southeast Family Resource Center
25401 Harper Avenue
St. Clair Shores, MI 48081
586-466-6800
Anyone who was in the ER department at Children's Hospital on July 16 (12:30 pm to 9:30 pm) should receive post-exposure vaccine by Friday, July 19, 2019. Vaccination is recommended within 3 days of exposure, or Immune-globulin (Ig) (an injectable medication) within six days of exposure by Monday, July 22.
Measles is a highly infectious respiratory illness that is spread through coughing or sneezing by a contagious person. Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes that usually start 7 to 14 days after exposure and last for 3 to 5 days before the rash appears. The rash, starts on the face and progresses down the body, arms and legs, and lasts 4 to 7 days. Anyone who was at Children's Hospital of Michigan should watch for symptoms of measles for 21 days through August 6, 2019.
"We are encouraging anyone who was at the Emergency Room at Children's Hospital on the afternoon of July 16 to make sure they have been vaccinated," said Dr. Ruta Sharangpani, acting Medical Director of the Detroit Health Department. "In general, the vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others from this disease."
Measles can be serious, leading to pneumonia, or inflammation of the brain. If symptoms develop, do not visit your doctor or emergency room unless you call ahead so they can take precautions to prevent exposure to other individuals.
Having 2 doses of Measles, Mumps Rubella (MMR) vaccine is protective. If you are unsure whether you were vaccined against measles, talk to your doctor. Vaccine is also effective in preventing measles if given within 72 hours. In addition, Immune Globulin (Ig) treatment is effective within 6 days of exposure for high-risk individuals. These individuals include those who are unvaccinated or unsure about vaccination status, pregnant women and those who are immune-compromised (have a weakened immune system due to illness and diseases like HIV, malnutrition, and/or medications).
Talk to your preferred healthcare provider to determine if Immune Globulin is right for you and if it is available.
For more information on measles, please refer to the following: City of Detroit Measles Fact Sheet: https://detroitmi.gov/document/measles and CDC Measles: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/