View The Attached Document

August 2, 2024

Wayne County Public Health Confirms Measles Case

Wayne County Public Health (WCPH) is Alerting the Public About Possible Exposure

Wayne, Mich. - Wayne County Public Health has confirmed a case of measles associated with international travel in an adult residing in Wayne County. The individual is following all isolation protocols. This is the seventh case in Michigan and the second case in Out-Wayne County to date in 2024. WCPH is working closely with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to identify anyone who might have been exposed to this case. Known possible contacts of the individual are being notified by WCPH.

In addition, WCPH is notifying the public of the following possible exposure locations:

· Michigan Medicine Canton Health Center Waiting Area at 1051 N Canton Center Rd

o July 25 between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM

o July 29 between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM

· Trinity Health IHA Urgent Care- Schoolcraft Campus at 19000 St Joe's Pkwy Suite 140 in Livonia

o July 27 between 12:00 PM and 3:30 PM

Anyone who was present at these locations and times, and meets the below criteria should contact WCPH through this link for recommendations and monitoring: bit.ly/3WMsX6h

· Present at the above locations and times

· Not fully vaccinated for measles (two doses of MMR vaccine) or vaccine status is unknown

· Not already contacted by WCPH

Individuals who have been exposed may be eligible for post-exposure treatment, which may prevent measles or make the illness milder, if received within 6 days of the exposure. Additionally, residents with possible exposure should monitor themselves for up to 21 days from the date of exposure for the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
• Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums, and roof of the mouth (Koplik Spots) two to three days after symptoms begin.
• A rash that is red, raised, blotchy; usually starts on face, spreads to trunk, arms and legs three to five days after symptoms begin.

If symptoms develop, residents are urged to contact their healthcare provider and notify them before seeking care so steps can be taken to prevent exposure to other individuals.

"Measles vaccines are safe, effective, and easy to get." said Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, Wayne County Health Officer. "As we head into the back-to-school season, please protect your kids, your family, and your community by making sure your child is up to date on their vaccines." To verify their vaccination status, residents are encouraged to contact their health care provider or WCPH.

Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease, with serious possible complications including hospitalization, long-term illness, and death. Cases are increasing across the U.S. and outbreaks are occurring nationally and globally.

Measles spreads through infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles is so contagious that ninety percent of unvaccinated people who are exposed to measles will become infected. Infected people can spread measles before noticing symptoms, including from four days before through four days after the rash appears. Measles virus can stay in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. Symptoms of measles usually begin 7-14 days after exposure but can appear up to 21 days after exposure.

The best protection against measles is MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccination. The measles vaccine is highly effective, very safe, and provides long-lasting protection. Two doses are about 97% effective at preventing measles.

Measles can be serious, especially for babies and young children. One in five children who contract measles will be hospitalized. One in 20 children who contract measles will develop pneumonia. Up to three children who contract measles in 1,000 will die.

With the risk for community spread, parents are encouraged to make sure their children are up to date on all their childhood immunizations, including the measles vaccine. Across the United States, routine immunization coverage has dropped. Statewide, vaccine coverage for the MMR (2 doses) vaccine for children ages 4 to 6 years old has decreased from 89.4% in 2017 to 84% in 2022. For children ages 19 through 35 months of age, vaccine coverage has decreased from 84.7% in April 2020 to 83.6% in December 2023.

Vaccines are available through primary care providers and pharmacies. Medicaid and most insurance plans cover MMR vaccine at no-cost. Low to no-cost vaccines are also available at WCPH. To learn more about measles resources and vaccines in Wayne County, please visit waynecounty.com/measles

Children eligible for the Vaccines for Children program may receive the vaccine from a provider enrolled in that program at no-cost. Vaccines for Children (VFC): Information for Parents | CDC

To learn more about the MMR vaccine, visit Vaccine for Measles (MMR Shot) | CDC

For more information about Measles cases in the U.S., visit cdc.gov/measles