Oakland County Health Division officials have confirmed two cases of measles in Oakland County residents who traveled through Detroit Metro Airport earlier this week.
The health department said that the two people arrived on a flight at Detroit Metro Airport on Oct. 23 at approximately 5:00 p.m, according to a news release.
Oakland County officials advise individuals who were potentially exposed to watch for symptoms for 21 days after the exposure.
“If symptoms develop, it is crucial to call ahead to the healthcare provider you plan to visit so they can take proper precautions to prevent exposure to other individuals,” a statement reads of the Oakland County Michigan website.
Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease that is spread by direct person-to-person contact, and through the air by a contagious person sneezing or coughing. The virus can live for up to two hours in the air where the infected person coughed or sneezed.
According to health officials, symptoms of measles usually begin 7 to 14 days after exposure but can appear up to 21 days after exposure. Symptoms include a high fever that may spike to over 104, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums, and roof of the mouth, and a rash that is red, raised, blotchy. The rash usually starts on the face and spreads to trunk, arms, and legs between 3 and 5 days after symptoms begin.
“Measles is a highly contagious respiratory infection,” said Leigh-Anne Stafford, health officer for Oakland County. “Immunizations are the best way to protect our families and communities from vaccine-preventable diseases like measles.”
It’s still unclear which airline or terminal the residents traveled through.
“If you have questions about your child’s vaccination status or your own vaccination history, talk to your doctor right way to ensure your family has optimal protection,” said Dr. Russell Faust, Oakland County medical director.