Detroit Free Press staff

State and local health officials are warning about potential exposure to measles after two cases in Oakland County residents.

The two cases arrived at Detroit Metro Airport at about 5 p.m. on Oct. 23, and anyone who may have come in contact should watch for symptoms for 21 days post exposure.

"Measles is a highly contagious respiratory infection." said Leigh-Anne Stafford, health officer for Oakland County. "Immunizations are the best way to protect our families and communities from vaccine preventable diseases like measles."

Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease that is spread by direct person-to-person contact, and through the air by a contagious person sneezing or coughing.

The virus can live for up to two hours in the air where the infected person coughed or sneezed. Symptoms of measles usually begin 7-14 days after exposure, but can appear up to 21 days after exposure and may include high fever, cough, tiny white spots on inner checks, gums and roof of mouth and a red, raised blotchy rash.

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