Residents in Michigan are being advised to take precautions following the confirmation of the first measles case since 2019 in the state. According to a recent news release, the state health department is advising individuals aged 1 year and older who have not been vaccinated to get a measles vaccination to safeguard themselves and others. Officials reported that the first confirmed case of measles was found in a child from Oakland County who had recently traveled internationally.
Collaborating with the Oakland County Health Division on the case, state health department officials indicated that they did not think there were any more exposures beyond the household, considering when symptoms started. However, officials recommended that families stay up to date on their vaccinations for the highly contagious disease.
According to Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s chief medical executive, getting vaccinated is crucial for safeguarding ourselves and our loved ones from diseases such as measles. Ensuring our families receive all necessary vaccines is crucial in preventing the spread of serious illnesses.
It’s a good idea to schedule a check-up with your healthcare provider to ensure you are up to date on all your vaccinations. The state’s first confirmed case of measles has been reported, coinciding with a decrease in routine immunizations nationwide, including in Michigan.
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The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported a decrease in MMR vaccine coverage for children ages 4 to 6 years old from 89.4% in 2017 to 84% in 2022. “Vaccine coverage for children aged 19 to 35 months dropped slightly from 84.7% in April 2020 to 83.6% in December 2023.”
The virus spreads through breathing, coughing, or sneezing by an infected person, as stated by the World Health Organization. Measles can impact individuals of all ages, but it is more frequently seen in children, according to the agency.
According to state health officials, the disease can survive in the air for up to two hours after the infected person was present. Measles symptoms typically start about a week to two weeks after being exposed and may show up as late as three weeks after exposure. Officials stated that symptoms consist of a high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, and rashes.
Michigan residents were encouraged to reach out to their healthcare provider or visit their local health department for more details.
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