WCHD alerts public to second Washtenaw measles case
submitted by Washtenaw County Health Department
Washtenaw County Health Department is reporting a second case of measles and alerting the public to the possibility of exposure. This second case is in an adult without prior immunity to measles who was exposed to the Washtenaw case reported on March 3, 2024.
Anyone potentially exposed to this second case should monitor themselves for symptoms consistent with measles for 21 days after the exposure date. Since more than 72 hours have passed, it is too late for immediate vaccination to prevent infection.
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:
- Sun, March 10, 9:30am to 1pm, Henry Ford Jackson Hospital Emergency Department, 205 N. East Ave., Jackson 49201
- Sun, March 10, 10:40am to 4pm, Michigan Medicine Emergency Department, adult emergency room and waiting area, 1540 E. Hospital Dr., Ann Arbor 48109
- Mon, March 11, 7:30am to 10am, Michigan Medicine Emergency Department, adult emergency room and waiting area, 1540 E. Hospital Dr., Ann Arbor 48109
- Mon, March 11, 6:45am to 9am, University of Michigan, Alice Lloyd Dormitory, second floor, 100 Observatory, Ann Arbor 48109
- Mon, March 11, 3:20pm to 5:40pm, CVS Pharmacy, 5449 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor 48103
- Tues, March 12, 10:40am to 2:15pm, NextCare Urgent Care (formerly Michigan Urgent Care), 3280 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor 48104
- Thurs, March 14, 4:45pm to 7pm, CVS Pharmacy, 3535 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor 48105
- Fri, March 15, 11am to 3pm, Trinity Health IHA Medical Group West, Arbor Primary Care and Urgent Care, lobby and waiting area, 4350 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor 48103
Anyone present at one of the locations at the above times and dates 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.
“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.”
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,” continues Dr. Marquez. “But it is also a critical reminder for everyone to check their vaccination status and confirm protection against measles.”
Review the Health Department Measles Vaccine Guidelines (Is my family protected against measles? [Arabic, Spanish]) or contact your health care provider, pharmacy, or the Health Department at (734) 544-6700 for guidance. If you are an adult who was vaccinated in Michigan, you may be able to download your Immunization Record at https://mdhhsmiimmsportal.state.mi.us/.
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, and 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. 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.
For children, the first dose of measles vaccine (MMR) 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 MMR 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. About one in five people who get measles will be hospitalized. In addition to recent Michigan cases, nearly 60 measles cases have been reported in 16 other states so far in 2024.
Across the United States and in Michigan, routine immunization coverage has dropped. 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. For children ages 19 through 35 months of age, MMR coverage in Washtenaw County has decreased from 90% in 2017 to 81% 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. The Health Department accepts Medicaid and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. The Health Department does not decline services if individuals are unable to pay.
The Washtenaw County Health Department promotes health and works to prevent disease and injury in our community. Our mission is to assure, in partnership with the community, the conditions necessary for people to live healthy lives through prevention and protection programs. Visit us at washtenaw.org/health or call (734) 544-6700. The Health Department also provides frequent social media updates (@wcpublichealth) and sends regular email updates; sign up at http://bit.ly/WCHD555.
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