Second measles case reported in Washtenaw County

Staff Reports
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YPSILANTI — A second case of measles has been reported by Washtenaw County health authorities who are recommending that anyone who might have been exposed monitor themselves for symptoms of the highly contagious disease.

Since more than 72 hours have passed, it is too late for immediate vaccination to prevent infection, a news release from the Washtenaw County Health Department said. The measles virus can live for up to two hours in the air, and individuals who were present at the following places at the specific times and dates listed may have been exposed:

• Sunday, March 10: 10:40 a.m. to 4 p.m., Michigan Medicine (University of Michigan hospital) Emergency Department, adult emergency room and waiting area, 1540 E. Hospital Drive, Ann Arbor.

• Monday, March 11: 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., Michigan Medicine (University of Michigan hospital) Emergency Department, adult emergency room and waiting area, 1540 E. Hospital Drive, Ann Arbor.

• Monday, March 11: 6:45 a.m. 9 a.m., University of Michigan, Alice Lloyd Dormitory, second floor, 100 Observatory, Ann Arbor.

• Monday, March 11: 3:20 to 5:40 p.m., CVS Pharmacy, 5449 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor.

• Tuesday, March 12: 10:40 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., NextCare Urgent Care (formerly Michigan Urgent Care), 3280 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor.

• Thursday, March 14: 4:45 to 7 p.m., CVS Pharmacy, 3535 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor.

• Friday, March 15: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Trinity Health IHA Medical Group WestArbor Primary Care and Urgent Care, lobby and waiting area, 4350 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor.

Anyone present at one of the locations at the above times and dates should monitor themselves for symptoms for 21 days.

Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease that is spread by direct person-to-person contact and through the air. 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 ahead before visiting a doctor, urgent care or emergency room so they can take precautions to avoid exposing others.

This case is related to the first Washtenaw County measles case that was reported on March 3.

“This situation illustrates why we work so hard to contain measles,” Dr. Juan Luis Marquez, medical director with the Washtenaw County Health Department, said in the release. “People without immunity from vaccination or a prior illness are very likely to become ill if exposed, and about 1 in 5 will require hospitalization.”

If vaccinated against measles, infection is unlikely. About 3 of every 100 vaccinated people exposed to measles will become ill if exposed to the virus according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“This alert is more urgent for anyone potentially exposed to the confirmed case,” Marquez said. “But it is also a critical reminder for everyone to check their vaccination status and confirm protection against measles.”

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

Anyone not fully vaccinated against measles is encouraged to do so as soon as possible. In addition to recent Michigan cases, nearly 60 measles cases have been reported 16 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 Health Department. Children eligible for the Vaccines for Children program may receive the vaccine from a provider enrolled in that program at no cost.

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This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: Second measles case reported in Washtenaw County