YPSILANTI (WWJ) - Washtenaw County Health officials confirmed a second case of measles on Thursday -- Michigan's fourth case so far this year -- after the patient was exposed to another case reported earlier in the month.
The Washtenaw County Health Department said an adult without prior immunity to measles contracted the disease after being exposed to the initial case confirmed on March 3.
Officials are now alerting the public about the latest possible exposure and -- since the 72 hour window for immediate vaccine protection has passed -- warned individuals to monitor for symptoms of measles for up to 21 days if they were present at the following places at the specific times and dates listed:
Sunday March 10
10:40 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Michigan Medicine Emergency Department
1540 E. Hospital Dr., Ann Arbor 48109
Adult emergency room and waiting area
Monday March 11
7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Michigan Medicine Emergency Department
1540 E. Hospital Dr., Ann Arbor 48109
Adult emergency room and waiting area
6:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
University of Michigan, Alice Lloyd Dormitory
Second Floor
100 Observatory, Ann Arbor 48109
3:20 p.m. to 5:40 p.m.
CVS Pharmacy
5449 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor 48103
Tuesday March 12
10:40 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.
NextCare Urgent Care (formerly Michigan Urgent Care)
3280 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor 48104
Thursday March 14
4:45 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
CVS Pharmacy
3535 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor 48105
Friday March 15
11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Trinity Health IHA Medical Group West - Arbor Primary Care and Urgent Care Lobby and waiting area
4350 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor 48103
If someone comes down with any symptoms, the WCHD advised they call ahead to emergency rooms, doctor's officers or urgent care centers so medical staff can take precautions to reduce the potential spread to others.
"This situation illustrates why we work so hard to contain measles," says Juan Luis Marquez, MD, MPH, medical director with WCHD said in a prepared statement. "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."
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), those that have been vaccinated against measles are unlikely to contract it. Out of 100 vaccinated people, only three will come down with the disease if exposed.
"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."
The measles virus is a highly contagious that mainly spreads from person-to-person contact, but can live for up to two hours in the air. It is easily preventable with vaccination.
Symptoms of measles usually begin 7-14 days after exposure, but can appear up to 21 days after exposure and may include:
More information on the virus can be found on the health department's website.
• 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
• 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.
Measles infection can cause serious possible complications including hospitalization, long-term illness, and death. Cases are increasing across the U.S. and outbreaks are occurring nationally and globally.
The latest case is now the fourth one reported in Michigan so far this year. Officials in Wayne and Washtenaw Counties confirmed one case each at the beginning of the month.
The first case was confirmed in an Oakland County child linked to international travel las month. It was Michigan's first measles case since the 2019 outbreak that saw more than 40 cases across the state, health officials stated.
More information on the virus can be found on the health department's website.
