The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed three cases of measles in Michigan over the past couple weeks - the first cases since 2019. All three cases are in the Detroit Metro area.
Two of the cases were related to international travel, and neither of those two individuals had any record of immunization. The best defense against Measles is the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine, which is more than 95% effective against measles, mumps and rubella.
About 1 out of 5 unvaccinated people who contract measles are hospitalized. And among children, 1 in 20 develop pneumonia, which is the most common cause of death from measles in young children. Roughly 1 to 3 out of every 1,000 kids who contract measles die from it, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Measles symptoms start with a fever, cough, headache, body aches, sore throat, and conjunctivitis or oozy eyes. All symptoms that look like the flu," said Dr. Steven McGraw, one of our ER physician owners of IEP Urgent Care, Chair of Emergency Medicine at Ascension Providence Hospital Novi and Southfield, and Oakland County medical director for EMS. "Many people don't know they have measles until the 2nd or 3rd day of symptoms when the rash appears at the hairline and descends to the trunk and extremities, but they have been contagious the whole time. And measles is far more contagious than the flu.”
If you think you've been exposed to measles, get vaccinated. If you think you might have measles symptoms, get tested. IEP Urgent Care has seven loctions in Metro Detroit open seven days a week to help - we can test for measles, treat any symptoms you might be having, and can advise you on where to get the MMR vaccine at little to no cost from your county health department.
Globally, measles cases are increasing, and measles is one of the most highly contagious airborne diseases seen among children and adolescents, but it can be prevented through vaccination and by following some basic hygiene practices. Here are some tips for measles prevention:
Vaccination
Ensure that you and your family members receive the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. This vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles.
Follow the recommended vaccination schedule for infants and children.
Maintain Immunization Records
Keep a record of your vaccination history and ensure that your vaccinations are up-to-date.
Check with your healthcare provider to confirm if you or your family members need any booster shots.
Practice Good Hygiene
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing, using the bathroom, or being in public places.
Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
Avoid Close Contact with Infected Individuals
If you are aware of someone being infected with measles, avoid close contact with them to reduce the risk of transmission.
Measles is highly contagious, and the virus can spread through respiratory droplets.
Cover Your Mouth and Nose
When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow, not your hands.
Dispose of used tissues properly and wash your hands immediately.
Stay Informed
Stay informed about measles outbreaks in your area or when traveling to regions with higher measles incidence.
Follow public health recommendations and advisories.