Another Measles Case Reported By Metro Detroit Health Officials

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI — Washtenaw County health officials on Thursday reported the county's second case of measles this month and the fourth case in the metro Detroit area within the last month.

Health officials said this case is an adult who did not have prior immunity to measles and was exposed to the first Washtenaw County case that was reported earlier this month. Cases were also reported in Oakland and Wayne counties.

"This situation illustrates why we work so hard to contain measles," Washtenaw County Health Department Juan Luis Marquez said. "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."

The Washtenaw County health department has identified seven community exposure points over six days:

• March 10: 10:40 a.m.-4 p.m., Michigan Medicine Adult Emergency Department and waiting area, 1540 E. Hospital Dr., Ann Arbor 48109.
• March 11: 7:30-10 a.m., Michigan Medicine Adult Emergency Department and waiting area, 1540 E. Hospital Dr., Ann Arbor 48109.
• March 11: 6:45-9 a.m., Second floor of the University of Michigan's Alice Lloyd Dormitory, 100 Observatory, Ann Arbor 48109.
• March 11: 3:20-5:40 p.m., CVS Pharmacy, 5449 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor 48103.
• March 12: 10:40 a.m.-2:15 p.m., NextCare Urgent Care, 3280 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor 48104.
• March 14: 4:45-7 p.m., CVS Pharmacy, 3535 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor 48105.
• March 15: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Trinity Health IHA Medical Group WestArbor Primary Care and Urgent Care lobby and waiting area, 4350 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor 48103

Anyone who was at one of the locations at that time 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.

Symptoms of measles usually begin within seven to 14 days after exposure and can appear up to 21 days after exposure. They include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, tiny white spots on the inner cheeks and rashes, officials said.

The measles vaccine is highly effective and very safe. A single dose of measles vaccine is about 93 percent effective at preventing measles, while two doses are about 97 percent effective. It is also effective if used within 72 hours of a measles exposure to prevent illness.

The increase in cases come as federal officials said routine childhood vaccine exemptions in Michigan, as well as 40 other states, have reached an all-time high. Data also shows a declining rate for measles vaccinations for Michigan kindergarteners, as coverage for the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine for children 4 to 6 years old decreased from 89.4 percent in 2017 to 84 percent in 2022.

Federal health officials warned this week that measles cases are on the rise both domestically and globally, with 58 confirmed cases in 17 states, including Michigan, in the first three months of the year.