A client who was at the Sensory Systems Clinic West in Wayland Thursday evening, March 13, has been diagnosed with the measles this week.
A Facebook post by the clinic, located behind Henika Library, this morning reported that families who use the facility have been contacted. The client’s therapist continued to work throughout this week, not knowing her exposure until today. She is vaccinated.
“If you have concerns, please call Peggy at the clinic, ((269) 792-2353)” was included on the post.
The Health Department: suggests:
“For those who were exposed to measles, Immune Globulin (Ig) treatment is effective within six days of exposure for high-risk individuals. High-risk individuals include those who are pregnant and those who have a weakened immune system due to illness and disease, including diabetes or HIV, malnutrition and/or medications.
“If you think you were exposed to measles, monitor for symptoms for 21 days after potential exposure date. If symptoms develop, call your health care provider. Individuals born in or before 1957 are considered immune.
“Unvaccinated individuals need to get vaccinated. If you do not have a record of two measles (MMR) vaccines, unsure if you have been vaccinated, or unsure if you have had measles in the past, contact your health care provider.
“If symptoms develop, do not visit your doctor or emergency room unless you call ahead so they can take precautions to prevent exposure to other individuals.”
Measles can live for up to two hours in the air where an infected person coughed or sneezed. Symptoms of measles usually begin seven to 14 days after exposure, but can appear up to 21 days after exposure, and may include:
• High fever (may spike to over 104°F).
• Cough.
• Runny nose.
• Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis).
• Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums and roof of mouth (Koplik Spots) two to three days after symptoms begin.
• A rash that is red, raised, blotchy; usually starts on face, spreads to trunk, arms and legs three to five days after symptoms begin.
The MMR vaccine is available through some health care providers and many pharmacies.
