As many of you may already know, Michigan is now among a growing list of states experiencing measles outbreaks, with state health officials confirming 21 cases so far in Oakland County and one in Wayne County since March 13. In an effort to keep you and your family healthy we offer the following information and resources. We hope this is helpful and that your family is staying well!

Yours Truly,
Drs. Amy Marcotte, Kelly Campbell, Shiri Gordinier, Nancy Stranz, Brian Adelman, Jerry Weinberg and M. Kuykendall of Women’s Health and Menopause Center

*FOR OUR PREGNANT PATIENTS*:

– If you have NO concern that you have been exposed to the Measles virus, we will check your immunity status by testing your blood at your next obstetric visit. You may also call the office and have a blood draw visit scheduled sooner, if you desire.

-If you ARE concerned that you have been exposed to the Measles virus, please, call the office and leave a message for one of our obstetricians. We will call you within 24 hours to help facilitate your care.

Measles Exposure Site List:

• Oakland county website with a list of all locations of the Measles exposure

Symptoms of Measles:

The disease is spread through coughing and sneezing. Symptoms usually begin seven to 14 days after exposure and can include a high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. The initial symptoms are followed by tiny white spots in the mouth and then a blotchy red body rash.

How do I contract the virus?:

Measles is transmitted by direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.

Who is at great risk of complications?:

People at high risk for severe illness and complications from measles include:

• Infants and children aged <5 years
• Adults aged >20 years
• Pregnant women
• People with compromised immune systems, such as from leukemia and HIV infection

How do I know if I am immune?

At least ONE of the following:

• written documentation of adequate vaccination:
  • one or more doses of a measles-containing vaccine administered on or after the first birthday for preschool-age children and adults not at high risk
  • two doses of measles-containing vaccine for school-age children and adults at high risk, including college students, healthcare personnel, and international travelers
• laboratory evidence of immunity
• laboratory confirmation of measles
• birth before 1957

Should I or my family members get the vaccination?

Children: CDC recommends routine childhood immunization for MMR vaccine starting with the first dose at 12 through 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age or at least 28 days following the first dose.

Students at post-high school educational institutions: Students at post-high school educational institutions without evidence of measles immunity need two doses of MMR vaccine, with the second dose administered no earlier than 28 days after the first dose.

Adults: People who are born during or after 1957 who do not have evidence of immunity against measles should get at least one dose of MMR vaccine.

Oakland County Measles Outbreak Officially Ends

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There have been over 20 cases of measles outbreak so far in Oakland County and now one in Wayne county. The Oakland County Health Division offers the measles vaccine (MMR vaccine) in both their Pontiac and Southfield locations, plus there are pop-up clinics to ensure all those who haven’t been vaccinated, do so! There are many serious complications from contracting the measles including preterm births and low birth weight babies.

Women’s Health abides by CDC recommendations:  If you are pregnant, you should not receive the vaccine until after giving birth. It is safe to receive the MMR vaccine while breastfeeding; the baby will not be affected through breast milk consumption. You should not get pregnant for four weeks after receiving MMR. Do note: The vaccine must be given 72 hours prior to exposure to prevent illness. It is recommended for the majority of people to be vaccinated to prevent this illness that has very serious side effects. There are a small group of people who are not candidates to receive the MMR vaccine. Women’s Health suggests all who should to get vaccinated. Read more about the CDC recommendations of who should and who should not be vaccinated.

The post Should You Get the Measles (MMR) Vaccine? appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.