There have been four additional cases of measles reported in the metro Detroit area bringing the total to 34.

All four came from Oakland County, bringing the number of confirmed cases to its highest number since 1991, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services when 65 cases were reported. There are 33 cases in Oakland County and one reported in Wayne County.

Infected individuals range in age from 8 months to 63 years old. Nationally, there have been 387 cases of measles confirmed in 15 states this year.

MDHHS is working closely with Oakland and Wayne county health departments to identify possible exposure locations. Known exposure sites in Oakland County are listed at Oakgov.com/health. Additional sites of potential exposures may be identified.

April 1
• Yeshivas Darchei Torah School, 21550 West 12 Mile Road, Southfield, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
March 29
• Congregation B’Nai Israel: 15400 W. 10 Mile Road, Oak Park, 5:30 – 8 p.m.
• Bais Haknesses Hagrah, 14561 W. Lincoln Blvd., Oak Park, 7 – 10 a.m.
• Beaumont Medical Building, 1st Floor: 3535 W. 13 Mile Road, Royal Oak, 2:30 – 5 p.m.
• Yeshivas Darchei Torah School, 21550 West 12 Mile Road, Southfield, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

March 28
• Bais Haknesses Hagrah: 14561 W. Lincoln Blvd., Oak Park, 7 – 10 a.m.
• Yeshivas Darchei Torah School: 21550 West 12 Mile Road, Southfield, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Congregation B’Nai Israel: 15400 W. 10 Mile Road, Oak Park, 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

The measles vaccine is highly effective and very safe. A single dose of measles vaccine protects about 95 percent of children, but after two doses, almost 100 percent are immune. The first of two routine childhood measles vaccine doses is given at 12-15 months of age. A second vaccine dose is given before the start of kindergarten, between ages 4 and 6. MDHHS follows Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance and does not recommend routine measles vaccinations for children less than 12 months of age unless there is a suspected measles exposure; there is thought to be an imminent measles exposure such as being in areas of known measles; or international travel planned.

Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease that is spread by direct person-to-person contact, and through the air.
The virus can live for up to two hours in the air where the infected person was present. 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 104˚F).
• Cough.
• Runny nose.
• Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis).
• Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums, and roof of the mouth (Koplik Spots) 2-3 days after symptoms begin.
• A rash that is red, raised, blotchy; usually starts on face, spreads to trunk, arms, and legs 3-5 days after symptoms begin.

If symptoms develop, residents are urged to call their doctor or emergency room before arriving so they can take precautions to prevent exposure to other individuals.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)