DETROIT – A 4-year-old Detroit child has been diagnosed with measles.
The Detroit Health Department is working with the MDHHS to investigate the case and prevent the virus from spreading. The case was suspected on April 3 and confirmed on Tuesday, April 9. The family of the child is isolated and no other cases of measles have been linked to this incident.
Measles is highly contagious and can stay in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area. The Detroit Health Department wants the public to know about three locations where the child was brought for medical treatment that may have led to exposures to the virus.
| Date | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|
| April 1, 2024 | Acadian Urgent Care at 2117 Springwells Street | 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. |
| April 1, 2024 | Rite Health Pharmacy at 5851 West Vernor Highway | 1:45 p.m. - 4 p.m. |
| April 3, 2024 | Children’s Hospital of Michigan Emergency Room on Beaubien Boulevard | 5 a.m. - 10 a.m. |
Anyone who was at the locations at the times listed above and is experiencing symptoms should contact their doctor. If you have been exposed, you should monitor yourself for symptoms for 21 days.
If symptoms appear, you should call ahead before visiting a doctor, urgent care, or emergency room, so workers can take steps to prevent the virus from spreading.
The Detroit Health Department offers vaccinations for measles at its Immunizations Clinic at 100 Mack Avenue. It is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. More information can be found at detroitmi.gov/health or by calling 313-876-IMMS (4667).
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.”
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.
Click here to get your immunization record.