Updated Measles Guidance

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has issued updated guidance following recent measles cases in southeast Michigan. As a precaution, infants ages 6–11 months who live in Wayne County or travel to Washtenaw or Monroe counties are recommended to receive an early MMR dose. This provides added protection and does not replace the routine schedule. This recommendation is in effect through May 16. MMR vaccines are available at the Detroit Health Department (100 Mack Ave).

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What is measles?

Measles (rubeola) is a highly contagious, serious airborne viral disease that causes fever, rash, cough, and red/watery eyes. It spreads through coughing or sneezing and can live in the air for up to two hours.

Who can get measles?

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk. You have immunity through vaccinations or if you had measles and recovered. The best protection if you do not have immunity is getting two doses of the MMR vaccine.

How is measles spread?

The virus that causes measles lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person. It can spread to others through coughing and sneezing.

Measles virus can live for up to two hours in an airspace after an infected person leaves an area. If other people breathe the contaminated air or touch infected surfaces and then touch their eyes, noses, or mouths, they can become infected. More than 90% of people who have not been vaccinated or have not had measles will develop measles after being exposed.

What are the symptoms of measles?

• High fever (may spike to over 104°F)
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
• Koplik spots: tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums, and roof of the mouth (develops 2–3 days after symptoms begin)
• Rash: red, raised, blotchy; usually starts on the face and spreads to the trunk, arms, and legs (develops 3–5 days after symptoms begin)

How long is a person contagious?

Infected people can spread measles to others from four days before through four days after the rash appears.

Are there complications from measles?

• Ear infection and diarrhea
• Pneumonia (infection of the lungs), which is the leading cause of death from measles in young children
• Encephalitis (brain inflammation), a serious complication that may cause permanent brain damage or death
• Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a rare but fatal degenerative brain disease developing 7–10 years after infection
• During pregnancy: premature birth, low birth weight, and fetal death
• About 1 in 5 unvaccinated people with measles is hospitalized

How can I protect myself?

Measles can be prevented with the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. The vaccine is safe and effective. Two doses provide about 97% protection for life.

Children should receive the MMR vaccine between 12–15 months old and again between 4–6 years old. Individuals born before 1957 have “presumptive immunity.” If you don't have proof of immunity or two MMR doses, talk to your healthcare provider.

 

 

New guidance from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)

Following recent cases in southeast Michigan, additional precautions are being recommended.

 

 

What to know

Given the possibility of community transmission, MDHHS recommends:

• Early MMR dose for infants 6-11 months
• Applies to Wayne County residents
• Also recommended for those traveling to Washtenaw or Monroe counties
• Added protection (routine: 2 doses after age 1)

 

 

What to do

• Talk to your pediatrician
• Vaccines available at Detroit Health Department
• 100 Mack Avenue

This guidance is in place through May 16

 

 

New guidance from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recommend an early MMR vaccine for babies 6 to 11 months

This applies to:

• Residents of Washtenaw, Monroe, Wayne, Oakland, Jackson, Livingston, or Lenawee counties
• Anyone traveling to Washtenaw and Monroe counties

What to do

• Talk to your child's pediatrician or local health department about early vaccination

Guidance issued April 2. In effect through May 16

Provider Resources

This section provides healthcare providers with the most up‑to‑date guidance on measles identification, testing, case management, and public health recommendations.

• Measles Overview: Key Clinical Information and Current Situation
• Who Should Be Tested for Measles?
• Measles Testing Options and Specimen Submission Instructions
• Managing a Suspected or Confirmed Measles Case
• Additional Measles Resources and Provider Tools
• Measles Provider Letter