The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, in conjunction with the Macomb County Health Department, is currently dealing with the fallout of a confirmed measles case in Macomb County. A child diagnosed with measles on July 3, 2024, has potentially exposed others across southeastern Michigan between June 24 and July 2, 2024. According to the Detroit Free Press, specific exposure sites include Motel 6 in Warren and the Children's Hospital of Michigan Troy.
This incident marks the state's sixth measles case this year. Health officials are thoroughly conducting contact tracing to identify further locations where exposure may have occurred. Those who were at the aforementioned places during the exposure period are encouraged to swiftly get in touch with their healthcare provider or the Macomb County Health Department for guidance. Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, the state's chief medical executive, emphasized the importance of vaccination, stating, "Preventing measles is simple – all residents should get vaccinated to prevent this disease," as noted in a news release from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Measles is known to be highly contagious. It can linger in the air for hours after an infected person leaves, putting unvaccinated individuals at high risk of contracting the illness. The virus can also be spread by infected individuals before they are even aware of the symptoms they're experiencing. Symptoms to look out for include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and a signature rash that typically starts on the face and spreads.
Health professionals are advising anyone who thinks they might have been exposed to immediately start monitoring for symptoms and continue to do so for 21 days after exposure. Chelsea Wuth, a spokeswoman for the state health department, mentioned in a statement to the Detroit Free Press that, while the risk to the public is minimal, they are taking precautions to alert the community of possible exposure sites. A list of possible exposure sites, in addition to the motel and emergency department, is being compiled. As the back-to-school season commences, the timing of these developments underscores the need to ensure all vaccinations are up-to-date.
In terms of preventative measures, the Macomb County Health Department has already commenced to monitor workers from the motel and hospital who were potentially exposed. If you're concerned about exposure, you can call the county health department at 586-783-8190. For more detailed information on measles and measures being taken in Michigan, you may visit Michigan.gov/Measles.
