Measles case reported at Ann Arbor-area hospital

SUPERIOR TWP. — Public health officials have reported a case of measles at an Ann Arbor-area hospital's emergency department and are warning that people may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus.

The Washtenaw County Health Department alerted anyone who was at the Trinity Health Ann Arbor Emergency Department waiting and triage areas between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Friday, March 1, that they may have been exposed to the measles virus. Trinity Health was formerly known as St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Ann Arbor and is at 5301 McAuley Drive, Ypsilanti.

“Measles is highly contagious and spreads easily though the air,” Dr. Juan Luis Marquez, medical director of the Washtenaw County Health Department, said in a news release. “This means we need to alert people who may have been present to the possibility of exposure, especially because anyone not vaccinated is likely to become ill if exposed.”

There is no ongoing risk of exposure from the identified case, the release from the health department said.

“Importantly, there is no cause for ongoing concern at the hospital,” Marquez said. “The individual was quickly and appropriately isolated as soon as measles was suspected.”

The health department is working closely with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Trinity Health Ann Arbor to investigate the situation and prevent additional cases.

The measles virus can live for up to two hours in the air. Anyone present at the Trinity Health Ann Arbor Emergency Department beteen 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Friday should receive the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine no later than Monday, March 4, if they are not already considered immune to measles. Anyone who may have been exposed should contact their health care provider, pharmacy, or the Washtenaw County Health Department at 734-544-6700 for vaccination and guidance.

Anyone potentially exposed should monitor themselves for symptoms for 21 days. If symptoms develop, call ahead before visiting a doctor, urgent care or emergency room so they can take precautions to avoid exposing others.

Individuals with two, appropriately spaced doses of measles vaccine (MMR) are considered immune, the release said. Additionally, adults born before 1957 or who have evidence of prior measles illness are considered immune. For children, the first dose of MMR vaccine is routinely given at about 12 months of age and the second starting at 4 years old.

Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease that is spread by direct, person-to-person contact and through the air, the release said. Symptoms of measles usually begin 7-14 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 the 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.

If symptoms develop, call your doctor, urgent care or hospital before seeking treatment.

The measles vaccine is highly effective and very safe, the release said. A single dose of measles vaccine is about 93% effective at preventing measles, while two doses are about 97% effective. It is also effective if used within 72 hours of measles exposure to prevent illness. However, some individuals with weakened immune systems may not be eligible to receive this vaccine. Getting vaccinated not only protects the individual receiving the vaccine but can also protect vulnerable individuals in our communities from being exposed to this illness.

Anyone not fully vaccinated against measles is encouraged to do so as soon as possible. About one in five people who get measles will be hospitalized. In addition to recent Michigan cases, more than 40 measles cases have been reported in 15 other states so far in 2024.

Across the United States and in Michigan, routine immunization coverage has dropped, the release said. Statewide, vaccine coverage for the MMR (two doses) vaccine for children ages 4 to 6 years old has decreased from 89% in 2017 to 84% in 2022.

Vaccination is available from health care providers, pharmacies and the local health departments. Children eligible for the Vaccines for Children program may receive the vaccine from a provider enrolled in that program at no cost. The health department does not decline services if individuals are unable to pay.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: Measles case reported at Ann Arbor-area hospital