OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. — New details on the measles outbreak in Michigan as a Detroit school district is working to contain one of its own.
The outbreak comes after a Derby Middle School student was diagnosed with a confirmed case of the disease.
The number of confirmed measles cases in Michigan now stands at 39, the highest number of cases since 1991.
The district says students were exposed all day on March 29 and the school has sent a letter home to parents to make them aware of the outbreak. They also say they are working with the Oakland County Health Department to monitor the case.
One parent tells WXYZ in Detroit he and his family got a second dose of the measles vaccine after hearing about the recent outbreak, just to be on the safe side.
By law students are required to get two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (or MMR) vaccine. The vaccine is effective within 72 hours of exposure.
Symptoms usually begin seven to 14 days after exposure but in some cases symptoms won’t be noticeable until 21 days after exposure.
Common symptoms of the measles include:
High fever
Cough
Runny nose
Red and watery eyes
White spots on inner cheeks, gums and roof of the mouth
A rash that is red, raised, blotchy and usually starts on the face.
The Oakland County Health Department says the best way to protect yourself against the disease is to get vaccinated.
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