LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — The Ingham County Well being Division has despatched a letter to highschool district households, sharing methods to remain protected throughout the latest measles outbreak.
Expensive Ingham County College Households,
We hope this message finds you properly. We perceive that latest information concerning measles circumstances in our space could also be regarding, and we need to share some vital info to assist hold your faculty group knowledgeable and guarded.
On Monday, April 14, the Ingham County Well being Division confirmed the primary case of measles in our space since 1994. A second case was confirmed on April 22. Measles is a extremely contagious viral sickness that may result in critical well being issues. Widespread signs embrace fever, cough, sneezing, and a blotchy rash. Measles is essentially the most contagious vaccine-preventable illness. An individual with measles can unfold the virus from 4 days earlier than to 4 days after the looks of a rash. With out vaccination, as much as 90% of people uncovered to the virus might turn into contaminated. Please be suggested that within the occasion of an outbreak, your youngster could also be required to remain residence from faculty based mostly on their vaccination standing
We acknowledge that vaccination is a private selection, and Michigan legislation permits medical, non secular, and philosophical waivers. Our intention in offering this info is to advertise the well being and security of all college students and households by elevated consciousness and training, so households could make knowledgeable choices to guard their very own well being and the well-being of others.
The most effective safety towards measles is the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine. In response to the CDC:
One dose of the MMR vaccine is 93% efficient at stopping measles
Two doses are 97% efficient and supply lifelong safety
MMR vaccines can be found by the next sources:
Your kid’s pediatrician or main care supplier
Pressing care facilities (please name forward to verify availability)
Native pharmacies (verify for age restrictions)
Ingham County Well being Division clinics – go to https://hd.ingham.org for present hours and availability
As of February 2025, MMR vaccination protection amongst youngsters aged 19 to 35 months in Ingham County is 83.3%. That is under the 95% threshold wanted for herd immunity, which helps defend our most susceptible group members, together with infants and people with sure medical situations who can’t be vaccinated.
We additionally need to remind households that college students and employees ought to keep residence if they’re feeling unwell-especially if they’ve a fever, cough, or rash. Staying residence when sick helps scale back the unfold of sickness and retains others protected. In the event you suppose your youngster might have measles, please name your healthcare supplier earlier than moving into, to allow them to take correct precautions to forestall the unfold of the virus.
When you have questions on your kid’s vaccination standing or wherew to obtain the MMR vaccine, please conatct your healthcare supplier.
Thanks on your continued partnership in supporting the well being and security of our college group.
Ingham County Well being Division, letter despatched to group
The Michigan Division of Well being and Human Providers (MDHHS) and the Ingham County Well being Division (ICHD) confirmed a second case of measles in an Ingham County youngster on April 24.
Officers say the case was confirmed in a one-year-old boy, who was uncovered to the county’s first case, which was confirmed final week.
The kid with the second case was vaccinated and skilled “mild” signs. Officers say that since he was remoted early, the danger of spreading it to the group is low.
Second case of measles confirmed in Ingham Co. youngster
Measles is a contagious illness that spreads by direct person-to-person contact and the air. It will possibly stay within the air for as much as two hours after an contaminated particular person coughs or sneezes.
In the event you had been probably uncovered, monitor for the next signs for 21 days from the date of publicity:
Excessive fever (probably exceeding 104°F)
Cough
Runny nostril
Pink, watery eyes
Tiny white spots within the mouth
Pink, blotchy rash beginning on the face and spreading to the physique
In the event you develop any of those signs, contact your well being care supplier instantly.
