Two cases of measles reported in Washtenaw County

submitted by Susan Ringler-Cerniglia, Washtenaw County Health Department 

Washtenaw County Health Department is reporting two cases of measles in a Washtenaw County unvaccinated individuals and exposure locations related to these cases. The Health Department is continuing to work closely with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Wayne County Department of Health, Human and Veterans Services to investigate the situation and prevent additional cases.

“Unfortunately, we expect to see additional cases in exposed, unvaccinated individuals, as measles is very contagious,” says Juan Luis Marquez, MD, MPH, medical director with Washtenaw County Health Department. “We urge people to protect themselves and their families with MMR vaccination if they haven’t already.”

The measles virus can live for up to two hours in the air, and individuals who were present at the following locations during the listed dates and times may have been exposed to the measles virus:

Anyone at the above locations during the specific times and dates should monitor themselves for symptoms of measles for 21 days after the exposure. If symptoms appear, call your health care provider. Do not seek medical treatment in person without calling the doctor’s office, urgent care, or emergency room first.

Individuals with two, appropriately spaced doses of measles vaccine (MMR) are considered immune. Additionally, adults born before 1957 or those 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 of age. The first dose can be given as early as 6 months. Contact your health care provider, pharmacy, or local health department for vaccination and guidance.

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) 2-3 days after symptoms begin
• A rash that is red, raised, and blotchy that usually starts on face, spreads to trunk, arms, and legs 3-5 days after symptoms begin

If symptoms develop, please 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. 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. The Washtenaw case announced yestereday the first reported in Michigan in 2026. As of March 5, there are 1,277 confirmed measles cases in 31 United States jurisdictions, including Florida.

Across the United States and in Michigan, routine immunization coverage has dropped. Statewide, coverage for the MMR vaccine (two doses) for children ages 4 to 6 years old has decreased from 89% in 2017 to 66% to date, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. As of January 2026, MMR coverage for 4- to 6-year-olds in Washtenaw is 70%.

Vaccination is available from health care providers, pharmacies, and 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 Washtenaw County Health Department accepts Medicaid, Medicare, Washtenaw Health Plan, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. The Health Department does not decline services if individuals are unable to pay.  Call 734-544-6700 to schedule a vaccine appointment at the Health Department.

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.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and a founder of the Manchester Mirror.