Measles Cases Confirmed in Grand Traverse County

GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, Mich. – A second case of measles has been confirmed, just two days after the first was reported.

The Grand Traverse County Health Department (GTCHD) indicated that this second case is associated with the initial confirmed case from June 18.

Measles is extremely contagious and can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected individual has left the vicinity.

People who were at certain locations during specific dates might have been exposed and are advised to watch for symptoms for up to 21 days:

• Chelsea Park West Apartment Complex – Hartman Rd, Traverse City, MI, from June 4 to June 13.
• Walmart Super Center – 2640 Crossing Cir., Traverse City, MI, on June 14 from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Symptoms commonly start 7-14 days post-exposure, but can show up as late as 21 days. Some signs to look out for include:

• High fever (that can exceed 104°F).
• Cough.
• Runny nose.
• Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis).
• Small white spots inside the cheeks, gums, and on the roof of the mouth (known as Koplik Spots), which may appear a couple of days after other symptoms start.
• A red, raised rash that typically begins on the face and spreads to the trunk, arms, and legs within three to five days.

If anyone shows symptoms, it’s crucial to contact their healthcare provider. And if seeking in-person care, it’s advisable to call ahead to inform the doctor or clinic about possible measles exposure to ensure safety measures are in place for others.

In some situations, if exposure occurred within the last six days, there might be a chance for post-exposure treatment that could prevent the illness. Consulting a healthcare provider or local health department for vaccination options is recommended.

The GTCHD has set up a measles hotline available during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 231-995-6800. Additionally, the hotline will be available on Saturday, June 21, and Sunday, June 22, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Outside of these hours, residents can also reach 2-1-1 for assistance.

Mike Lahey, Health Officer at GTCHD, commented, “Disease investigations performed by our local health department are critical to ensuring we can limit the impact of diseases such as measles in our community. It’s important to consider staying up-to-date on all routine vaccinations, including the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, to prevent the spread of severe illness and disease.”