A University of Michigan doctor stressed the importance of vaccinations and the dangers of measles.
Just last month, Michigan reported its first case of measles since the 2019 outbreak. On Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, Michigan health officials said that a child in Oakland County has measles. The child’s case is believed to be linked to international travel and officials do not believe anyone outside of the child’s home was exposed to the virus.
On Sunday, March 3, 2024, Wayne County health officials reported the state’s second case of measles. The case is linked to international travel in an adult and is not connected to the Oakland County case. Later that day, Washtenaw County reported the state’s third case of measles.
“It’s incredibly frustrating. This is a disease that was basically totally controlled, but it’s so infectious that any drop in vaccinations is important. We’ve gone from about 97% vaccinated, to about 90% vaccinated since COVID. And that doesn’t sound that different, but it means that in every school room of 20 kids -- two aren’t vaccinated, and that’s why it’s being transmitted. Anybody walks into that room, one of those two kids will get infected and we’ll have a measles breakout,” Dr. James Baker, Ruth Dow Doan Professor of Immunology at University of Michigan, said.
During the 2019 outbreak, there were 46 cases confirmed across the state. Measles is a highly contagious and preventable disease that is caused by a virus. It can spread through direct person-to-person contact and the air. The measles virus can live in the air for up to two hours.
“You can go blind from this, you can basically destroy someone’s intellect. This is a disease that can really damage people’s lives and children who get this are at great risk,” Baker said.
Health officials said 90% of unvaccinated people who are exposed to measles will become infected. Measles can cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than 5. One in five people in the U.S. who get measles will need to be hospitalized.
“The vaccine basically causes lifelong protection, so not only are you protecting your child, but you’re protecting the adult that comes from that child. So, I think it’s a phenomenal vaccine, it’s very safe, and the alternative measles is a very dangerous disease,” Baker said.
This interview was featured on the Sunday, March 3, 2024, edition of Flashpoint. Watch Flashpoint every Sunday at 10 a.m. on Local 4 News and Local 4+.
---> Michigan reports first measles case since 2019 outbreak: What to know
Signs and symptoms of measles
The first symptoms of measles usually show up seven to 14 days after exposure, but they can take as long as 21 days to appear.
Symptoms include:
- High fever (may spike to over 104˚F).
- Cough.
- Runny nose.
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis).
Two to three days after the initial symptoms begin, Koplik spots may appear inside the mouth. These are tiny white spots that show up on the inner cheeks, gums, and roof of the mouth.
Three to five days after symptoms begin, the measles rash may appear. This is a rash that is red, raised, and blotchy. It usually starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.
If you believe you have measles, you should call your doctor or emergency room so they can prepare and avoid exposing others to the virus.
How effective is the measles vaccine?
Health officials said the vaccine is very safe and highly effective.
According to the CDC, two doses of the measles vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles if you’re exposed to the virus. One dose of the vaccine is believed to be about 93% effective. You are considered fully protected about two to three weeks after getting the vaccine.
If you are unvaccinated and exposed to the virus, health officials say getting the measles vaccine within 72 hours of exposure can help reduce your risk of developing measles.
Some people with weakened immune systems may not be able to get the vaccine.
“Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect ourselves and our loved ones from potential outbreaks of diseases like measles,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “It is important to make sure our families are up to date on all routine vaccines to prevent the spread of severe illness and disease. Now is a great time to check with your health care provider to make sure you are current with all your vaccines.”
2019 Michigan measles outbreak
In 2019, there were at least 46 confirmed measles cases in Michigan.
That year there were 1,274 measles cases across 31 states, according to the CDC.
That was the greatest number of cases reported in the U.S. since 1992. The majority of cases were among people who were not vaccinated against measles.
To give that number some perspective, there were 375 cases in 2018, and 13 cases in 2020.
How to check your vaccination status in Michigan
People who have been vaccinated in Michigan can check the immunization portal to see if their records are available.
To get your record, you must be 18 years of age or older and have or create a MiLogin account. You will have to upload an image of either your US passport, driver’s license, or state ID.