Oakland County Health Division announced today that the Michigan Department of Community Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have confirmed a measles case in an adult Oakland County resident. This case may be associated with the recent Disneyland outbreak in California, but an exact connection has not yet been determined, the press release stated. Measles is a highly contagious disease and can be transmitted five days before and four days after the rash appears.
Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson has authorized OCHD to open their Nurse on Call Hotline and clinic in Pontiac, 1200 N Telegraph Road, Building 34 East, from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. on Saturday, January 24 and Sunday, January 25 to offer the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. Residents can call or e-mail Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533 and noc@oakgov.com today until 8pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. with any questions.
“We are encouraging anyone who is not vaccinated to consult their doctor immediately and get vaccinated as soon as possible, said Kathy Forzley, OCHD manager / health officer. “ The vaccine is very effective, but if you have had only one dose of the MMR vaccine, we are also urging you to get the second dose as well.”
Measles is a vaccine preventable, respiratory infection that is highly contagious and is spread through the air by sneezing and coughing. The measles virus can live for up to two hours on a surface or in the air, where the infected person coughed or sneezed.
“If you have symptoms consistent with measles, please call your healthcare provider or Oakland County’s Nurse on Call. It is best to make contact by phone to prevent further possible measles cases,” said Forzley.
Measles symptoms usually begin 10-12 days after exposure and include:
- Hard, dry cough
- Sneezing or runny nose
- Watery or red eyes
- Rash that is red, raised, blotchy, starts on face and spreads to trunk, arms, and legs
- Fever which rises when rash appears (101 F or higher)
OCHD accepts health insurance, as well as Medicaid, Medicare, Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, cash, and credit. The MMR vaccine cost $56 per dose. VFC offers vaccines at no cost for eligible children.
For up-to-date public health information, visit www.oakgov.com/health or find Public Health Oakland on Facebook and Twitter @publichealthOC.
Measles:What You Need to Know
What are Measles?
Measles is a rash illness caused by the Rubeola virus.
Who can get Measles?
Anyone who has not had a confirmed case of Measles (mostly people born after 1956) and who have not been given a Measles vaccine.
What are the symptoms of Measles?
- Hard dry cough
- Sneezing or runny nose
- Watery or red eyes
- Fever which rises when rash appears (101 F or higher)
- Rash that is red, raised, blotchy; starts on face, spreads to trunk, arms, and legs
- Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums, and roof of the mouth surrounded by redness
How long after exposure do symptoms begin?
Cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and fever usually begin 10-12 days after exposure. The rash usually appears 4 days later.
How are Measles spread?
Measles are easily spread by droplets from the nose, throat and mouth through sneezing, coughing and speaking. It occurs most commonly in late winter and early spring.
How long is a person contagious?
A person can spread measles up to four days before until four days after the rash appears. Measles are highly contagious.
Are there complications of Measles?
Otitis Media (ear infection) or pneumonia could occur as a result of measles. Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) is an uncommon, but serious complication of Measles. During pregnancy, Measles may cause the loss of the unborn baby. Death due to Measles is rare in the U.S.
Is there a treatment for Measles?
Bed rest at home until at least 4 days after the appearance of the rash is necessary to not infect others. There is no specific treatment for Measles.
How can Measles be prevented?
- Measles can be prevented by vaccination.
- Measles vaccine is a 2 dose series for children.
- All healthy children should be vaccinated at 12 – 15 months with the combination shot for Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR).
- A 2nd MMR vaccine is usually given at 4 – 6 years of age. It can be given at any time as long as it is at least 4 weeks after the 1st dose.
- Some infants under 12 months should get a dose of MMR if they are traveling out of the country (this dose will not count toward their routine series).
- Adults born in 1957 or later should receive at least 1 dose of MMR vaccine unless they have other acceptable evidence of immunity. A second dose of MMR vaccine should be given to adults who are students in colleges/universities, work in health care, or plan to travel internationally. Check with your provider to see if you need to be vaccinated.
- Pregnant women should not get vaccinated as this is a live viral vaccine. All women of childbearing age should keep out of contact with those who have Measles.
- Be sure to keep a record of all immunizations. Write down when the shots were given.
What if Measles occurs at school or a day care center?
All cases must be reported to your local health department within 24 hours. People born after 1956 who cannot prove that they either have had:
1) Laboratory evidence of immunity to Measles
OR
2) Measles vaccine after 12 months of age and a 2nd dose at least 4 weeks later, should get a measles vaccine. Otherwise, they will be excluded from school/day care until at least 21 days after the beginning of the last Measles case.
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