By Megan Kelley
Review Writer
As the number of confirmed cases of measles increases, so does the concern from Michigan residents.
As for Lake Orion specifically, measles has not reached the area. However, the Lake Orion Community Schools Board of Education would be remiss to not address the growing concern.
During the April 10 board meeting, Superintendent Marion Ginopolis discussed the situation, stating that there are specific laws the district would have to adhere to in the case of an exposure in the schools.
Under the Michigan Public Health Code Act 386 of 1978 schools and/or health department officials can exclude anyone who has a communicable disease or was exposed to the communicable disease and is not fully vaccinated against it, according to the OCMHD.
“By Michigan law, all students are required to be immunized with two doses of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine or have evidence of having contracted measles,” health officer for Oakland County Leigh-Anne Stafford said in a press release on April 8. “School exclusion policies will be enforced as necessary to protect the public’s health.”
“If your child is not up-to-date on MMR vaccine and measles exposure occurs at their school or daycare, they will be exluded for up to 21 days from the date of the measles exposure,” said Stafford.
School Board Trustee Steve Drakos expressed serious concern about the outbreak and student’s health throughout the district.
However, Ginopolis was clear that until there is an outbreak the district cannot do anything regarding unvaccinated students and school will continue to run as usual.
As of April 12, Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has confirmed 39 cases of Measles throughout the state, 38 of which are in Oakland County. This is the highest number of measles cases in Michigan since 1991, according to the Oakland County Michigan Health Division.
In an April 8 press release, MDHHS classified an Oakland County child and a Washtenaw County child as measles cases due to symptoms and positive initial test results.
However, both children were vaccinated and additional genotype testing was conducted and it was determined the two children were not measles cases.
The age of infected individuals ranges from eight months to 63 years.
While the MDHHS works with OCMHD to identify possible exposure locations, they are also striving to educate residents.
“Anyone who has not been fully vaccinated (two doses of MMR) for measles or who has not had a confirmed case of measles can get measles,” said the Oakland County Health Division. “If exposed, approximately 90 percent of people who have not been vaccinated or previously had measles will develop the disease.”
Symptoms are high fever, cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes, tiny white sports on the inner cheeks, gums and room of the mouth and a red, raised and blotchy rash.
Measles is highly contagious and a person can be infected simply by being in the same room as an infected person.
If anyone has been exposed to measles the OCMHD states that unvaccinated individuals must be vaccinated within 72 hours of exposure. Immune Globulin treatment is also effective within six days of exposure for high-risk individuals including pregnant women and those with a weakened immune system. Additionally, if symptoms do develop do not visit your doctor or emergency room unless you call ahead so the proper precautions can be taken. Stay at home if you are sick and do not allow visitors in your home. Also be sure to watch for sympoms for 21 days after your potential exposure.
Measles is only preventable by vaccination. If you or your child do not have record of two documented MMR vaccines or you are unsure if you or your child have been vaccinated or had measles in the past contact your healthcare provider about getting vaccinated.
For additional information on measles, the measles vaccination and a full list of exposure locations visit www.oakgov.com/health or call the OCMHD at 248-858-1280.