Measles case confirmed in Allegan County

People exposed should monitor condition, contact health department.

The Allegan County Health Department has confirmed a measles case in Allegan County and is working closely with the Kent County Health Department and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to investigate the situation in an effort to prevent additional cases, as measles can lead to serious complications.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that is spread by direct person-to-person contact and through the air.

The most common symptoms of measles include a high fever, cough, runny nose, ed, watery eyes (conjunctivitis), a rash that is red, raised, and blotchy, and tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums, and roof of the mouth.

Tracking the infection

Because the measles virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area, individuals who were present at the following locations may have been exposed:

• Coachmen Strength & Conditioning, 7780 Clyde Park Ave. SW, Byron Center, Monday June 2 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

• University of Michigan Health West, 5900 Byron Center Ave. SW, Wyoming, Wednesday June 4 from 2:18 a.m. to 5:02 a.m.

• University of Michigan Health West Southwest Health Center, 2215 44th St. SW, Wyoming, Wednesday June 4 from 11:46 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

People who were at the above locations during the specified times should monitor for symptoms for 21 days after exposure. Anyone experiencing symptoms is urged to call their healthcare provider before seeking in-person care to prevent further spread.

Medical attention

If seeking medical attention, call ahead to inform the doctor, urgent care, or emergency room of the potential measles exposure before arrival so facilities can take precautions to prevent exposure to other individuals.

The Allegan County Health Department can be reached Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (269) 673-5411.

The recommended protection against measles is the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccination. The measles vaccine is highly effective, safe, and provides long-lasting protection.

Check with your healthcare provider or contact the Allegan County Health Department at (269) 673-5411 for questions regarding vaccination status.