Measles Exposure Site: Oakland County Hospital Identified

The Oakland County Health Division has confirmed a measles case and is alerting the public to a potential exposure site. Individuals who visited the emergency department at DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital in Commerce Township on December 7th may have been exposed.

The possible exposure window was between 7:20 p.m. and 11:10 p.m. According to health officials, the measles virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person coughs or sneezes.

The health division identified the infected individual as a pediatric patient but did not release the child's specific age.

Those at higher risk of complications from measles include:

• Unvaccinated children under 5
• Pregnant individuals
• People with weakened immune systems due to conditions like HIV or diabetes, malnutrition, or certain medications.

The Oakland County Health Division is collaborating with the hospital to identify and support individuals who may have been exposed.

**What to Do If You Suspect Exposure:**

Monitor for measles symptoms, which typically appear 7-14 days after exposure but can take up to 21 days. Key symptoms include:

• High fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
• Small white spots inside the cheeks, gums, and roof of the mouth (appearing 2-3 days after initial symptoms)
• A red, raised, blotchy rash that usually starts on the face and spreads to the trunk, arms, and legs (appearing 3-5 days after initial symptoms).

If you develop these symptoms, it is crucial to call your healthcare provider, urgent care clinic, or emergency department in advance to alert them of your potential exposure.

Oakland County Health Officer Kate Guzman emphasized vaccination as the most effective way to prevent measles spread. The MMR vaccine protects vulnerable populations, including infants and individuals with underlying medical conditions who cannot be vaccinated.

Health officials noted that recent measles cases in the county have been linked to both domestic and international travel. They recommend ensuring you are fully vaccinated with two doses of the MMR vaccine before traveling or attending public events.

Infants as young as 6 months can receive their first MMR dose early if traveling internationally or to areas experiencing measles outbreaks. Individuals born in or before 1957 are generally considered immune to measles.