One Case of Measles Confirmed in Detroit Resident

The Detroit Health Department yesterday recorded a case of measles in a four-year old resident and is alerting the public to the possibility of exposure in three healthcare locations where the child was brought for medical treatment.

The Detroit Health Department is working closely with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and other partners to investigate the situation and prevent additional cases. The family of the child with measles is following all isolation protocols. At this time, no other cases of measles have been associated with this incident, including among family members of the child who was suspected on April 3 and confirmed on April 9.

Measles is highly contagious. Because the measles virus can stay in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area, individuals who were present at the following locations may have been exposed:

Acadian Urgent Care, 2117 Springwells on April 1, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Rite Health Pharmacy, 5851 West Vernor on April 1, 1:45 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Children’s Hospital of Michigan Emergency Room, Beaubien Blvd. on April 3, 5 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Anyone present at the above times and dates who is experiencing symptoms or has experienced symptoms should contact their healthcare provider for guidance. Anyone who has potentially been exposed should monitor themselves for symptoms for 21 days. If symptoms develop, such as fever, respiratory symptoms, or rash, call ahead before visiting a doctor, urgent care, or emergency room so precautions may be taken to avoid exposing others.

“Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease that is spread by direct person-to-person contact, and through the air,” said Detroit Health Department Chief Public Health Officer, Denise Fair Razo. “While this case appears to be a single isolated case at this time, we want everyone to be aware that measles is so contagious that 90 percent of unvaccinated people who are exposed to measles will become infected. Infected people can spread measles before noticing any symptoms, including four days before and four days after the rash appears. Our best advice is to get vaccinated against measles if you have not already done so. It is part of the two-dose Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) series of childhood vaccines.”

In general, individuals who have received two appropriately spaced doses of the measles vaccine (MMR) are considered immune. Additionally, adults born before 1957 or who have evidence of prior measles illness are considered immune. Health care providers have additional criteria to be considered immune. For children, the first does of MMR vaccine is routinely given at about 12 months of age, and the second starting at four years of age.

Measles can lead to serious complications including hospitalization, long-term illness, and death. About one in five people who get measles will be hospitalized.

Symptoms of measles usually begin within seven to 14 days of exposure, but can appear up to 21 days after exposure and may include:

High fever (may spike to more than 104 degrees)
Cough
Runny nose
Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums and roof of the mouth two to three days after symptoms begin
A rash that is red, raised, blotchy; usually starts on the face and spreads to the body
Anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to measles can receive the MMR vaccine and begin receiving benefits within 72 hours.
Exposed individuals who cannot receive the MMR vaccine, or who have been exposed more than 72 hours ago may be able to receive post-exposure treatment, which may prevent measles if received within six days of exposure.

The Detroit Health Department offers vaccinations for measles and all childhood vaccination series, plus COVID-19, flu and Mpox at its Immunizations Clinic at 100 Mack Avenue. Hours are Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Walk-ins welcome from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Late hours are available on the first and third Thursday of each month, from 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Further details are available on our website: detroitmi.gov/health or call 313-876-IMMS (4667).