A recent case of measles in Macomb County, Michigan has raised concerns after a child with the virus potentially exposed others at a motel and a hospital emergency department. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the child’s diagnosis on July 3, prompting health officials to issue a public advisory.
Individuals who were present at specific locations during the period from June 24 to July 2 are urged to contact the Macomb County Health Department or their healthcare provider and monitor for symptoms for up to 21 days following exposure. The locations include Motel 6 in Warren on June 26 and Children’s Hospital of Michigan Troy emergency department on June 30.
Health authorities are actively conducting contact tracing to identify additional exposure sites and individuals who may have come into contact with the infected child. Workers at the motel and hospital have been notified and are under monitoring by local health departments.
This incident marks the sixth reported case of measles in Michigan this year. Measles is highly contagious, with viral particles capable of lingering in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area. Unvaccinated individuals have a 90% chance of contracting the virus when exposed, even before showing symptoms.
Andrew Cox, the director and health officer of the Macomb County Department of Health and Community Services, emphasized the importance of vaccination in preventing measles spread. He encouraged individuals to ensure they are up-to-date with their measles vaccine and to seek vaccination promptly if not.
Despite the child’s diagnosis on July 3, the public notification was delayed by nine days, exceeding the window for using post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent infection. Chelsea Wuth, a spokesperson for the state health department, stated that while the risk to public health is considered minimal, the department is taking precautionary measures by informing the public of potential exposure sites in southeast Michigan during the specified period.
