The health department indicated the residents arrived on a flight at Detroit Metro Airport at 5 p.m. Oct. 23, according to The Detroit News. They also ask passengers who were potentially exposed to watch for measles symptoms for 21 days.
“Immunizations are the best way to protect our families and communities from vaccine preventable diseases like measles,” Leigh-Anne Stafford, health officer for Oakland County, told The Detroit News.
Russell Faust, MD, PhD, Oakland County medical director, told CNN the Detroit Metro Airport does not have to take any precautions since measles only lives on surfaces or in the air for about two hours.
“It doesn’t do as well on surfaces as it does in the air,” Dr. Faust said. “The airport does not need to sanitize anymore than they usually do.” Dr. Faust also indicated it’s critical for anyone suspecting measles to call ahead before going to the clinic.
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