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Detroit Child Diagnosed with Measles: Urgent Public Health Alert

If you were present at any of the following locations during the specified times and are currently experiencing symptoms, it is important to contact your doctor immediately:

  • Children’s Hospital of Michigan – 3901 Beaubien St, Detroit, MI 48201
  • April 1st, 2019: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
  • April 2nd, 2019: 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
  • April 3rd, 2019: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
  • April 4th, 2019: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
  • April 5th, 2019: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
  • April 6th, 2019: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
  • April 7th, 2019: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
  • April 8th, 2019: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

The Detroit Health Department is working closely with the hospital to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed during these times. It is crucial for anyone who was present at the hospital during these hours to monitor themselves for symptoms such as high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.

In addition to the Children’s Hospital of Michigan, the Detroit Health Department is also investigating two other locations where the child may have exposed others to the virus:

  • Eastwood Clinic – 15777 E Warren Ave, Detroit, MI 48224
  • April 2nd, 2019: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
  • April 4th, 2019: 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
  • April 5th, 2019: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
  • April 6th, 2019: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
  • Meijer – 1301 W Eight Mile Rd, Detroit, MI 48203
  • April 3rd, 2019: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
  • April 4th, 2019: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
  • April 5th, 2019: 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm

If you were present at any of these locations during the specified times, it is important to be vigilant for symptoms and seek medical attention if necessary. Measles can cause serious complications, especially in young children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles, and the Detroit Health Department strongly encourages everyone who is eligible to ensure they are up to date with their immunizations.

As the investigation continues, the Detroit Health Department will provide updates and guidance to the public. It is crucial for the community to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and others from the spread of measles.

Exposure Locations:

  • Location 1: [Insert Location Name] – Date and Time
  • Location 2: [Insert Location Name] – Date and Time
  • Location 3: [Insert Location Name] – Date and Time

If you have been exposed, it is crucial to monitor yourself for symptoms for a period of 21 days. Measles symptoms typically include high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. It is important to note that symptoms may not appear immediately after exposure, so it is essential to remain vigilant during this period.

Should any symptoms arise, it is advised to call ahead before visiting a doctor, urgent care facility, or emergency room. By doing so, medical professionals can take necessary precautions to prevent further spread of the virus. It is important to inform healthcare providers about the potential exposure to measles so that they can take appropriate measures to protect themselves and other patients.

The Detroit Health Department understands the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of measles. They provide measles vaccinations at their immunization clinic located at 100 Mack Avenue. The clinic operates from Monday to Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The measles vaccine is highly effective and safe, and getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and others from this highly contagious disease.

For more information about the measles vaccine or the immunization clinic, please visit detroitmi.gov/health or contact the Detroit Health Department at 313-876-IMMS (4667). The health department is dedicated to ensuring the well-being of the community and is ready to assist with any questions or concerns regarding measles and vaccinations.

Signs and Symptoms of Measles:

The first symptoms of measles typically manifest between seven to 14 days after exposure, although they can take up to 21 days to appear. Common symptoms include:

  • High fever (which may spike to over 104ËšF)
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)

Two to three days after the initial symptoms begin, small white spots known as Koplik spots may appear inside the mouth. These spots are typically found on the inner cheeks, gums, and roof of the mouth.

Between three to five days after the onset of symptoms, a red, raised, and blotchy rash may develop. The rash usually starts on the face and gradually spreads to other parts of the body.

If you suspect that you may have contracted measles, it is essential to contact your doctor or emergency room before visiting in person. This precautionary measure allows healthcare professionals to prepare accordingly and minimize the risk of exposing others to the virus.

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects children, although it can occur in individuals of any age who have not been vaccinated or previously infected. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, making it easily transmissible in crowded areas or close quarters.
The initial symptoms of measles can be mistaken for those of a common cold or flu, making early detection challenging. However, the characteristic signs mentioned above, such as the high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, can help differentiate measles from other respiratory illnesses. It is important to note that not all individuals infected with measles will experience the same symptoms, and some may have mild or atypical presentations.
The appearance of Koplik spots inside the mouth is a distinctive feature of measles and can aid in diagnosis. These spots are small, white, and surrounded by a reddish halo, resembling grains of salt on a red background. They usually appear a couple of days before the rash develops and are a result of the virus replicating in the cells lining the mouth and throat.
The measles rash typically begins on the face and spreads downward to the neck, trunk, and extremities over a few days. The rash consists of red, raised, and blotchy lesions that may merge together, giving it a “blotchy” or “patchy” appearance. The rash is not itchy but can be accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, malaise, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes.
If you suspect that you have contracted measles, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Contacting your doctor or local emergency room before visiting in person allows healthcare professionals to take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus to other patients and staff. Measles can lead to severe complications, especially in vulnerable populations such as infants, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Therefore, early diagnosis and appropriate management are essential to prevent complications and protect public health.

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