Allegan County Health Department (ACHD) has confirmed a measles case in Allegan County. ACHD is working closely with the Kent County Health Department and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to investigate the situation in an effort to prevent additional cases, as measles can lead to serious complications. Because the measles virus can remain infectious 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:
Coachmen Strength & Conditioning – 7780 Clyde Park Ave. SW, Byron Center, MI, 49315
Monday 6/2 from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
University of Michigan Health West – 5900 Byron Center Ave. SW, Wyoming, MI 49519
Wednesday 6/4 from 2:18 am to 5:02 am
University of Michigan Health West Southwest Health Center – 2215 44th St. SW, Wyoming, MI 49519 Wednesday 6/4 from 11:46 am to 3:45 pm
People who were at the above locations during the specified times should monitor for symptoms for 21 days after exposure. Anyone experiencing symptoms is urged to call their healthcare provider before seeking in-person care to prevent further spread. If seeking medical attention, call ahead to inform the doctor, urgent care, or emergency room of the potential measles exposure before arrival so facilities can take precautions to prevent exposure to other individuals. The ACHD can be reached Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (269) 673-5411. If outside of ACHD hours, Kent County residents can also contact 2-1-1.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
Measles is a highly contagious disease that is spread by direct person-to-person contact and through the air. The measles virus can live in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours. Measles is contagious from four days before the rash symptoms start until four days after the rash appears. Initial symptoms generally appear within 7-14 days after exposure, but can appear up to 21 days after exposure.
The most common symptoms of measles include:
· High fever (may spike to more than 104°F)
· Cough
· Runny nose
· Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
· A rash that is red, raised, and blotchy; usually starts on the face and spreads to the trunk, arms, and legs three to five days after symptoms begin.
· Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums, and roof of the mouth (Koplik Spots) two to three days after symptoms begin.
The recommended protection against measles is the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccination. The measles vaccine is highly effective, safe, and provides long-lasting protection. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles.
The people at highest risk for measles complications are infants and children under 5 years, adults over 20 years, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems. Severe complications of measles include: pneumonia, brain swelling, and death.
“Getting vaccinated is the most reliable way to protect ourselves and our loved ones from potential infectious diseases like measles,” said Dr. Richard Tooker, Medical Director at the Allegan County Health Department. “It is important to consider staying up-to-date on all routine vaccinations to prevent the spread of severe illness and disease.” Check with your healthcare provider or contact the Allegan County Health Department at (269) 673-5411 for questions regarding vaccination status.
ACHD recommends preventing the spread of illness by:
Getting the MMR vaccine.
Avoiding being around infected individuals.
Contacting your local healthcare provider immediately if you or your child has been exposed to someone with the measles.
For more information, contact the ACHD at (269) 673-5411.
