Oakland County Health Division: Vaccinate for Measles Before Traveling

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recorded the highest number of reported measles cases in the U.S. since 1996, prompting the Oakland County Health Division to urge parents to make sure their children's vaccinations are up to date before traveling.

As of mid-June, more than 150 cases of measles have been reported to the CDC from more than 25 states. Most cases have been linked to unvaccinated U.S. citizens traveling abroad, unvaccinated visitors in the U.S. or unvaccinated people exposed to the imported cases. 

Measles is a highly contagious illness spread through coughing and sneezing. After an infected person leaves a place, the virus remains contagious up to two hours on surfaces and in the air. Measles can cause severe health complications including pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and death.

Symptoms of measles include:

• Hard, dry cough                 
• Sneezing or runny nose
• Watery or red eyes
• Fever which rises when rash appears (101º F or higher)
• Rash that is red, raised, blotchy; starts on face, spreads to trunk, arms and legs
• Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums, and roof of the mouth surrounded by redness

Early vaccination can help ensure protection during the summer, when children may be exposed to diseases due to traveling and summertime visits with family and friends.

"A person can spread measles up to four days before and until four days after a rash appears,” said Kathy Forzley, manager and health officer of the Oakland County Health Division. “As a result, measles is highly contagious and it’s important to stay updated on vaccines to avoid spreading disease to infants too young to be vaccinated.”

Forzley said to make sure children are up-to-date on their measles vaccinations before traveling this summer, adding that early summer is the perfect time to vaccinate before the back-to-school rush.

According to the Oakland County Health Division, all healthy children should be vaccinated between 12-15 months of age with the combination vaccine for Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR). Children usually receive a second dose between four and six years, though it can be given as soon as four weeks after the first dose.

The Oakland County Health Division provides immunizations at the Pontiac offices (1200 N. Telegraph Road) on Mondays from 12-8 p.m., and Tuesdays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

For more information regarding measles or other viral infections, please visit the Oakland County Health Division website at www.oakgov.com/health or call 800-848-5533 to speak to the Nurse on call.

Source: Oakland County Health Division