After the second case was discovered, health officials warned that people may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus at the following two Traverse City locations:
-Chelsea Park West Apartment Complex, located off Hartman Road in Traverse City, between Wednesday, June 4 and Friday, June 13.
-Walmart Super Center, 2640 Crossing Circle in Traverse City, between 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Saturday, June 14.
Measles spreads through direct person-to-person contact or through the air, according to the release. Anyone who is not immune to measles is at risk.
Symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus but can take up to 21 days.
Symptoms can include high fever, cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes, tiny white spots on the cheeks, gums and roof of the mouth and a rash that starts as flat red spots on the face of the hairline and spreads.
“It is important that we, as the public health department, take action to protect, maintain, and improve the health of our community,” said Mike Lahey, MPH, Health Officer at GTCHD. “Measles is a serious disease, and we want to make sure that our residents and visitors are safe. Those who are not vaccinated against measles should consider getting vaccinated during this busy travel time in our community. It is important to make sure you protect yourself and your family from this vaccine-preventable disease.”
The MMR vaccine is the best protection against measles. It provides long-lasting protection against the virus, according to the release.
If you feel you may have been exposed, call the GTCHD or your health care provider before seeking treatment.
