Health officials warn of possible measles exposure in Jackson County

JACKSON, Mich. (WLNS) – Health officials are warning about a possible measles exposure in Jackson County. It happened two weeks ago at Henry Ford Jackson Emergency Department.

Jackson County’s Health Department’s Deputy Health Director, Matthew Budd, said a person living in Washtenaw County had measles and potentially exposed the emergency room in Jackson. Everyone they think may have been exposed has been contacted. Now, they’re asking those people to monitor themselves for possible symptoms.

“Measles is a really interesting virus because it was once declared eliminated in the United States. Many health care providers, nurses, physicians, have never seen measles in person,” Budd said.

Those who were possibly exposed would have been in the emergency room on March 10th, from 9:30 AM to 1 PM. Officials say individuals should keep an eye out for 21 days for symptoms because a person can be contagious before they know they have the virus.

“Individuals might start with more general symptoms, so think your fever, your cough, your runny nose, your watery eyes. And then a couple days after, individuals start getting the rash that everyone associates with measles,” Budd said.

Budd describes the rash as red and flat and usually starts on the face before spreading.

“There’s about a 90 percent contagious rate. So individuals in that area are very likely to be infected if we know that there was a known measles case and there weren’t things like masks and other mitigation measures in place,” Budd said

If you start seeing symptoms in yourself, Budd says to call your health care provider immediately. The key word there, is CALL.

“If somebody thinks they have measles, don’t show up to your primary care provider or emergency department. That’s just because we don’t want to potentially expose any other people in the waiting areas if you do have measles. So we’ll have additional directions for you,” Budd said.

Budd said the death rate for measles is relatively low but can have long term affects. Danger increases for pregnant women and children under 1. Budd recommends getting vaccinated. He said even if you’re exposed and unvaccinated, a vaccine could still work if you get it within 72 hours of exposure. Those exposed March 10th do not have that option, since they were notified after 72 hours.

Henry Ford Health said they are working alongside health officials to make sure anyone who may have been exposed has proper guidance and support.

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