Northwest Wayne News

The Detroit Health Department is urging all residents to take precautions against measles following confirmed cases in Wayne, Washtenaw, and Oakland Counties. Chief Public Health Officer, Denise Fair Razo, emphasized the importance of staying safe, stating, “We want Detroiters to put their trust in the Detroit Health Department, and we will do everything we can to keep them safe.”

Dr. Claudia Richardson, Medical Director for the Detroit Health Department, stressed the significance of vaccination, especially for children, saying, “We want everyone to stay safe and encourage all Detroiters to get vaccinated, especially children. Measles is preventable with a vaccine, even up to 72 hours after someone is exposed.”

Symptoms of measles can appear seven to 14 days after exposure and include cough, high fever, and a rash. There is no cure for measles, making prevention through vaccination crucial. The measles vaccine is recommended for everyone ages one and older as part of the MMR two-dose vaccine that also protects against mumps and rubella.

The Detroit Health Department is actively working to educate and provide resources to the community. They are partnering with local providers to emphasize preparedness in case of an outbreak and offering measles vaccinations. Individuals who believe they may have been exposed to measles are advised to monitor themselves for symptoms for 21 days and seek medical attention if symptoms develop.

The Health Department is also offering vaccinations for measles, COVID-19, flu, and RSV at its Immunizations Clinic at 100 Mack Avenue. Residents can visit the clinic Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., with late hours available on the first and third Thursday of each month. More information is accessible on the Detroit Health Department's website or by calling 313-876-IMMS (4667).