Ottawa County Department of Public Health Recommends Precautions for Measles
Spring break season is here, and many of you will be traveling, possibly to locations currently experiencing measles outbreaks. There are not yet any reported cases of measles in Ottawa County, but as of March 14, 2024, 58 measles cases have been reported by 17 jurisdictions, including three in Michigan. As of March 19, 2024, there have been 15 cases of measles reported in Chicago this year. (There were 58 cases of measles reported in the United States in all of 2023.)
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases. It can be very serious, and we want to help you be prepared.
Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 90% of the people who are not immune and close to that person will also become infected. Results of measles infection in children who are not immune can be serious.
- One in five children who contract measles will be hospitalized.
- One in 20 children who contract measles will develop pneumonia.
- One to three children out of every 1,000 who contract measles will die.
If you do not know if you are immune to measles through previous infection or vaccination, we recommend you get vaccinated to prevent illness. If you are unsure if you have been vaccinated or have immunity, it is safe to receive the vaccine again.
You are considered immune to measles if:
- You are a child (K-12) or adult who has received two doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.
- You are a preschool-aged child who has received one dose of the MMR vaccine.
- You have had measles at some point in your life.
- You were born before 1957.
Prevention of Measles
The most effective way to prevent measles is by being vaccinated. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine protects against all three diseases.
The MMR vaccine has been used in the United States since the 1960s and is considered to be highly effective and safe. Read more about the MMR vaccine ingredients and research from the CDC. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93% effective. The vaccine is also effective if given within 72 hours of measles exposure to prevent illness.
Symptoms of Measles
Symptoms of measles usually begin 7-14 days after exposure, but can appear up to 21 days after exposure and may include:
- High fever (may spike to over 104F).
- Cough.
- Runny nose.
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis).
- Tiny white spots (called Koplik Spots) on the inner cheeks, gums and roof of the mouth two to three days after symptoms begin.
- A rash that is red, raised, and blotchy, usually starting on the face and spreading to the trunk, arms, and legs three to five days after symptoms begin.
If symptoms develop, residents are urged to not visit their doctor or emergency room unless they have called ahead so facilities can take precautions to prevent exposure to other individuals.
You can find more information at cdc.gov/measles. If you have questions, call your healthcare provider.
Vaccines are available through local healthcare providers and pharmacies. Vaccination is available at OCDPH for children and adults who do not have health insurance or whose health insurance doesn’t cover vaccines. Individuals who think they may be eligible for free vaccines should call 616 396-5266 for more information.
Get the latest vaccine ingredient and safety information from the CDC at cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/vaccines/mmr-vaccine.html or the Vaccine Education Center at chop.edu/centers-programs/vaccine-education-center.
The Ottawa County Department of Public Health works with our community to help assure conditions that promote and protect health. OCDPH’s vision is healthy people. Follow OCDPH on Facebook @miOttawaHealth, X @miOCDPH, or Instagram @miOCDPH.
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