WASHTENAW COUNTY, Mich. – The Washtenaw County Health Department is reporting a new case of measles, it is the fourth case in the state of Michigan.
The case involves an adult who did not have immunity and was exposed to the Washtenaw County measles case reported on March 3, 2024.
The measles virus can live for up to two hours in the air. Anyone who was exposed to measles should monitor themselves for symptoms for 21 days after exposure.
Possible exposure locations:
| Date | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday, March 10, 2024 | Michigan Medicine Emergency Department Adult emergency room and waiting area 1540 E. Hospital Dr., Ann Arbor 48109 | 10:40 a.m. - 4 p.m. |
| Monday, March 11, 2024 | Michigan Medicine Emergency Department Adult emergency room and waiting area 1540 E. Hospital Dr., Ann Arbor 48109 | 7:30 a.m. - 10 a.m. |
| Monday, March 11, 2024 | University of Michigan, Alice Lloyd Dormitory Second floor 100 Observatory, Ann Arbor 48109 | 6:45 a.m. - 9 a.m. |
| Monday, March 11, 2024 | CVS Pharmacy 5449 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor 48103 | 3:20 p.m. to 5:40 p.m. |
| Tuesday, March 12, 2024 | NextCare Urgent Care (formerly Michigan Urgent Care) 3280 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor 48104 | 10:40 a.m. - 2:15 p.m. |
| Thursday, March 14, 2024 | CVS Pharmacy 3535 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor 48105 | 4:45 p.m. - 7 p.m. |
| Friday, March 15, 2024 | Trinity Health IHA Medical Group WestArbor Primary Care and Urgent Care Lobby and waiting area 4350 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor 48103 | 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. |
Because it has been more than 72 hours since exposure, it is too late for anyone who was exposed at the locations listed to get vaccinated to prevent infection.
If you develop symptoms, it is important that you call ahead before visiting a doctor, urgent care, or emergency room so they can avoid spreading measles to other people.
“This situation illustrates why we work so hard to contain measles,” says Juan Luis Marquez, MD, MPH, medical director with Washtenaw County Health Department. “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.”
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Signs and symptoms of measles
The first symptoms of measles usually show up seven to 14 days after exposure, but they can take as long as 21 days to appear.
Symptoms include:
- High fever (may spike to over 104˚F).
- Cough.
- Runny nose.
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis).
Two to three days after the initial symptoms begin, Koplik spots may appear inside the mouth. These are tiny white spots that show up on the inner cheeks, gums, and roof of the mouth.
Three to five days after symptoms begin, the measles rash may appear. This is a rash that is red, raised, and blotchy. It usually starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.
If you believe you have measles, you should call your doctor or emergency room so they can prepare and avoid exposing others to the virus.
How effective is the measles vaccine?
Health officials said the vaccine is very safe and highly effective.
According to the CDC, two doses of the measles vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles if you’re exposed to the virus. One dose of the vaccine is believed to be about 93% effective. You are considered fully protected about two to three weeks after getting the vaccine.
If you are unvaccinated and exposed to the virus, health officials say getting the measles vaccine within 72 hours of exposure can help reduce your risk of developing measles.
Some people with weakened immune systems may not be able to get the vaccine.
“Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect ourselves and our loved ones from potential outbreaks of diseases like measles,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “It is important to make sure our families are up to date on all routine vaccines to prevent the spread of severe illness and disease. Now is a great time to check with your health care provider to make sure you are current with all your vaccines.”
2019 Michigan measles outbreak
In 2019, there were at least 46 confirmed measles cases in Michigan.
That year there were 1,274 measles cases across 31 states, according to the CDC.
That was the greatest number of cases reported in the U.S. since 1992. The majority of cases were among people who were not vaccinated against measles.
To give that number some perspective, there were 375 cases in 2018, and 13 cases in 2020.
How to check your vaccination status in Michigan
People who have been vaccinated in Michigan can check the immunization portal to see if their records are available.
To get your record, you must be 18 years of age or older and have or create a MiLogin account. You will have to upload an image of either your US passport, driver’s license, or state ID.