Michigan: Child Confirmed to Have Measles, Make Sure You’re Vaccinated

A child in Michigan is confirmed to have a case of measles. Make sure you and your family members are up to date on your vaccinations.

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What Are Measles?

From the picture above, measles doesn't look like a lot of fun at all.

Measles is highly contagious but preventable by vaccine. The tricky thing about measles is the symptoms take 10 to 14 days to develop and once you get infected it can hang around for 7 to 10 days.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, measles can be serious. Children under 5 years of age and adults older than 30 years of age are more likely to suffer from complications from infections and diarrhea. 

What Are the Symptoms of Measles?

The World Health Organization lists the symptoms as a runny nose, coughing, red and watery eyes, and small white spots inside the mouth but the most prominent is the rash that can cover your whole body.

Can You Die From Measles?

The short answer to Can you die from measles is yes. Death is related to complications of the disease like blindness, encephalitis (brain swelling or brain damage), severe diarrhea, ear infections, and severe breathing problems including pneumonia. The best way to protect yourself is by getting a measles vaccination.

Michigan Child Confirmed to Have Measles

According to WOOD, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services tested a child from Oakland County and has confirmed the child has contracted measles while traveling internationally. The MDHHS says they do not believe there are any additional exposures outside of the child's home.