WEST OLIVE, Mich. -- The Ottawa County Department of Public Health is recommending travelers take precautions for measles.
It says there have been no reported cases in Ottawa County so far this year, but three measles cases were recently reported in Michigan. Across the country, 58 cases have been reported, including 15 in Chicago this year.
The health department says measles is highly contagious. And the most effective way to prevent getting is by taking the M-M-R vaccine. That stands for measles, mumps and rubella.
The measles cases in Michigan were reported in Wayne and Washtenaw counties.
Here is more information from an OCHD news release:
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases. It can be very serious, and we want to help you be prepared.
Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 90% of the people who are not immune and close to that person will also become infected. Results of measles infection in children who are not immune can be serious.
- One in five children who contract measles will be hospitalized.
- One in 20 children who contract measles will develop pneumonia.
- One to three children out of every 1,000 who contract measles will die.
If you do not know if you are immune to measles through previous infection or vaccination, we recommend you get vaccinated to prevent illness. If you are unsure if you have been vaccinated or have immunity, it is safe to receive the vaccine again.
You are considered immune to measles if:
- You are a child (K-12) or adult who has received two doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.
- You are a preschool-aged child who has received one dose of the MMR vaccine.
- You have had measles at some point in your life.
- You were born before 1957.
Prevention of Measles
The most effective way to prevent measles is by being vaccinated. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine protects against all three diseases.
The MMR vaccine has been used in the United States since the 1960s and is considered to be highly effective and safe. Read more about the MMR vaccine ingredients and research from the CDC. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93% effective. The vaccine is also effective if given within 72 hours of measles exposure to prevent illness.
Symptoms of Measles
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 104F).
- Cough.
- Runny nose.
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis).
- Tiny white spots (called Koplik Spots) on the inner cheeks, gums and roof of the mouth two to three days after symptoms begin.
- A rash that is red, raised, and blotchy, usually starting on the face and spreading to the trunk, arms, and legs three to five days after symptoms begin.
If symptoms develop, residents are urged to not visit their doctor or emergency room unless they have called ahead so facilities can take precautions to prevent exposure to other individuals.
You can find more information at cdc.gov/measles. If you have questions, call your healthcare provider.
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