Michigan health officials are monitoring three measles cases across Southeast Michigan.
Last month, Michigan health officials reported the first case of measles in the state since the 2019 outbreak. Since then, two more cases have been confirmed bringing the total to three measles cases this year.
The first measles case was reported on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, in an Oakland County child. The second and third cases were reported on Sunday, March 3, 2024, in Wayne County and Washtenaw County.
Measles is a highly contagious and preventable disease that is caused by a virus. It can spread through direct person-to-person contact and the air. The measles virus can live in the air for up to two hours.
Health officials said 90% of unvaccinated people who are exposed to measles will become infected. Measles can cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than 5. One in five people in the U.S. who get measles will need to be hospitalized.
As of Feb. 29, 2024, the CDC reported 41 measles cases across 16 states, including Michigan.
Here is a map of possible measles exposure sites in Michigan
Anyone who was exposed should monitor themselves for symptoms for up to 21 days from the date of exposure. If you develop symptoms, call the doctor’s office or emergency room before you arrive so they can prevent measles from spreading.
Wayne County exposure sites:
- WellStreet/Beaumont Urgent Care at 23100 Michigan Ave in Dearborn on Feb. 27 between 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
- CVS Pharmacy (#8128) at 2701 S. Telegraph Rd in Dearborn on Feb. 27 between 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
- Henry Ford GoHealth Urgent Care at 26763 Ford Rd in Dearborn Heights on Feb. 29 between 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Corewell Emergency Department at 18101 Oakwood Blvd in Dearborn on Feb. 29 between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
If you are unvaccinated and were exposed in Wayne County, you should contact WCHD at PHECC@waynecounty.com with your name, phone number, and address.
Washtenaw County exposure site:
- Trinity Health Ann Arbor Emergency Department waiting and triage areas at 5301 McAuley Dr, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, on Friday, March 1, from 10:30 a.m. through 1:30 p.m.
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.”
Map of Michigan measles cases in 2024
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.
Click here to get your immunization record.
2019 Michigan measles outbreak
In 2019, there were at least 46 confirmed measles cases in Michigan. The cases in 2024 are the first reported in Michigan since the 2019 outbreak.
In 2019, there were 1,274 measles cases across 31 states, according to the CDC. To give that number some perspective, there were 375 cases in 2018, and 13 cases across the United States in 2020.
The 2019 year had 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.