Measles Outbreak Sparks Concern in Ingham County

Ingham County is on high alert after health officials confirmed the state's fifth measles case this year—a one-year-old girl who may have unknowingly exposed countless individuals over a four-day span from April 4 to April 8.

Highly Contagious: The Risk of Measles

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, measles is alarmingly contagious, capable of transmitting through the air and person-to-person contact. The health department is scrambling to identify and inform all those who were at risk during this critical period.

Possible Exposure Locations—Check Your Schedule!

The young girl may have been at these seven locations, putting many at risk: - Tractor Supply in Lansing on April 4, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. - Okemos Farmer’s Market at Meridian Mall on April 5, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. - Aldi in Okemos on April 5, from 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. - Towar Hart Baptist Church in East Lansing on April 6, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Toscana Restaurant in Lansing on April 6, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. - Michigan State University Community Music School on April 8, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:35 p.m. - University of Michigan Health Sparrow Lansing Emergency Department on April 8, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Stay Alert: Symptoms to Watch For!

If you were at any of these locations, be vigilant! Symptoms may appear up to 21 days later and include: - High fever - Cough - Runny nose - Red, watery eyes - Small white spots inside the mouth - A red rash that spreads across the body

Contact Your Doctor Immediately!

Should any symptoms arise, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider immediately. Measles can linger in a room for up to two hours after an infected person has departed, increasing the chances of exposure.

Vaccination: Your Best Defense!

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is your best line of defense, boasting a remarkable 97% effectiveness rate after two doses. For children, the first dose is recommended between 12 and 15 months, with a second dose between four and six years.

Check Your Vaccination Status!

The Ingham County Health Department is urging everyone to verify their vaccination status and is making vaccine doses available at its immunization clinic in Lansing. Dr. Nike Shoyinka emphasizes, "The MMR vaccine is safe and effective. Two doses provide 97% protection."

Conclusion: Stay Safe and Informed!

With the recent surge in measles cases, including this latest one linked to travel outside Michigan, it's essential to stay informed and proactive. Don’t take unnecessary risks—check your vaccination status today!