New Measles Case Exposes People In Detroit, Macomb County

DETROIT, MI — A new measles case is exposing people to the sickness in Detroit and Macomb County.

The Detroit Health Department announced Friday health officials have confirmed a case of measles in a Detroit resident who recently returned from overseas travel. The person went to the Emergency Department at Children’s Hospital of Michigan and also went to their physician’s office in Macomb County and everyone who was exposed at that location was directly notified, according to the health department.

Anyone who was in the ER department at Children’s Hospital on July 16 (12:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.) should receive post-exposure vaccine by Friday, July 19, according to the Health Department. Vaccination is recommended within 3 days of exposure, or Immune-globulin (Ig) (an injectable medication) within six days of exposure by Monday, July 22.

“We are encouraging anyone who was at the Emergency Room at Children’s Hospital on the afternoon of July 16 to make sure they have been vaccinated,” said Dr. Ruta Sharangpani, acting Medical Director of the Detroit Health Department. “In general, the vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others from this disease.”

The measles outbreak ended earlier this spring after 44 confirmed cases in Michigan.

Measles is a highly infectious respiratory illness that is spread through coughing or sneezing by a contagious person. Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes that usually start 7 to 14 days after exposure and last for 3 to 5 days before the rash appears. The rash, starts on the face and progresses down the body, arms and legs, and lasts 4 to 7 days. Anyone who was at Children’s Hospital of Michigan should watch for symptoms of measles for 21 days through Aug. 6, 2019.

Measles can be serious, leading to pneumonia, or inflammation of the brain. If symptoms develop, do not visit your doctor or emergency room unless you call ahead so they can take precautions to prevent exposure to other individuals.

The Detroit Health Department also encourages residents to contact their primary care provider or one of the following clinics:

Detroit Health Department Immunizations Clinic (Located at the Samaritan Center)
5555 Conner Street, Detroit, MI 48213, 313-876-4667
Friday, July 20 – 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Saturday, July 21 – 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Macomb County Health Department
Friday, July 19, 2019 Open 11:30 am -4:30 pm at the following locations:

Mt. Clemens Health Center
43525 Elizabeth Road
Mt. Clemens, MI 48043
586- 469-5372

Southwest Health Center
27690 Van Dyke, Ste. B
Warren, MI 48093
586-465-8537
Open: 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Monday, July 22, 2019
Open 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the following locations:

Mt. Clemens Health Center
43525 Elizabeth Road
Mt. Clemens, MI 48043
586-469-5372

Southeast Family Resource Center
25401 Harper Avenue
St. Clair Shores, MI 48081
586-466-6800