GRAND HAVEN — Ottawa County has not reported a case of measles since 1991, and the county's medical director is urging residents to take preventative measures to keep it that way.

Dr. Gwendolyn Unzicker, medical director for the Ottawa County Department of Public Health, emphasized the importance of vigilance among health care providers and close monitoring of individuals who may have been exposed.

"We are working very hard to have health care providers aware of the situation so they can be on alert. We monitor folks very closely — those that have been in contact with someone with measles," Unzicker said. "We have been fortunate so far, but we know viruses don’t look at a map. They go where they want to go."

Michigan has seen two reported measles cases since March, one in Oakland County and another in Kent County. Both individuals had recently traveled internationally.

Unzicker stressed that both international and domestic travelers face a risk of exposure. She strongly encourages anyone who has not been vaccinated against measles to do so, particularly before traveling.

Did you know?

Measles was declared eliminated (absence of continuous disease transmission for greater than 12 months) from the United States in 2000. This was thanks to a highly effective vaccination program in the United States, as well as better measles control in the Americas region.

Facts about measles:

• Measles is one of the most contagious diseases.
• 90% of persons without immunity to measles will become ill after exposure to the virus.
• Measles can live for up to two hours in an airspace after an infected person leaves an area.

Source: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

"In terms of prevention, the most effective way to prevent measles is to make sure you’re updated on your MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine," she said. "It’s the only effective way of preventing measles infection."

Unzicker described measles as the most contagious virus, noting its ease of transmission through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area, potentially infecting others.

Symptoms typically appear 7-14 days after exposure but can emerge as late as 21 days.

"You are passing through air space and you don’t know who has been in that space. If you aren’t immunized, you have a 90 percent chance of getting measles," Unzicker said.

"If 10 people are in a room with someone who has measles and if all 10 people aren’t immunized, it’s likely nine of them will get it. That’s why prevention is key."

According to Unzicker, the recommended two doses of the measles vaccine provide lifelong immunity. Individuals unsure of their vaccination status should get vaccinated, as there is no harm in receiving the vaccine twice.

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In the event of exposure, Unzicker outlined two options:

• Vaccination within 72 hours of exposure for those not already vaccinated.
• Human Immune Globulin, a blood product providing short-term antibodies against measles, can be administered within six days of exposure. This is typically reserved for high-risk individuals such as pregnant women, infants, and those unable to receive the vaccine due to health conditions.

Individuals experiencing measles symptoms should call their health care provider before seeking in-person care to prevent further spread. Symptoms include:

• Cough
• High fever (potentially exceeding 104 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
• Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums, and roof of the mouth (Koplik spots) appear 2-3 days after initial symptoms.

A red, raised, and blotchy rash that typically starts on the face and spreads to the trunk, arms and legs 3-5 days after other symptoms begin.

Unzicker encourages anyone with questions to visit its website or call 616-396-5266. 

— Heather VanDyke covers northern Ottawa County for the Ottawa News Network. Contact her at newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.