Measles Alert: A Traveler Brings the Virus Home

A measles case has been confirmed in an adult in Oakland County. This individual had recently returned from a trip abroad. The person's vaccination status is unknown. The adult arrived home on February 27. Symptoms started on March 3, and a rash appeared on March 7. This means the virus could have spread from March 3 to March 11. The health department has pinpointed two locations where the public might have been exposed. The first is the Emergency Room at Henry Ford Rochester on University Drive. The exposure times were from 3:40 a. m. on March 8 to 9:32 a. m. on March 9 and from 8:30 a. m. to 5:18 p. m. on March 11. The second location is the Kruse and Muir restaurant on Main in Rochester. The exposure time here was from 5:30 p. m. to 9:30 p. m. on March 7. The measles virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. Early symptoms to watch for include fever, a runny nose, and pink eye. If you have these symptoms, do not go to a healthcare provider without calling first. This allows the provider to take necessary precautions. If you think you might have been exposed, it's crucial to stay alert for symptoms. Measles can be serious, especially for those who are not vaccinated. Measles is highly contagious. It can spread quickly in areas where people gather. This is why it's important to know your vaccination status. If you're unsure, talk to a healthcare provider. They can help you figure out if you need a measles shot. This situation highlights the importance of vaccinations. They protect not only the individual but also the community. Measles can be prevented with the MMR vaccine. This vaccine is safe and effective. It's a simple way to protect yourself and others from this dangerous disease. The health department is working hard to contain the spread. They are monitoring the situation closely. If you have any concerns, reach out to your local health department. They can provide guidance and support.