MONROE, Mich. (WWJ) — The Monroe County Health Department is reporting a case of measles and warning the public about potential exposures at an Ida church and a Milan urgent care clinic.
Anyone who was at St. Joseph Church of Ida on Van Aiken Street between 6 and 9:30 p.m. on March 28, or at the Trinity Health IHA Urgent Care on East Arkona Road in Milan between 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on March 31, may have been exposed.
Anyone who visited those locations during the specified times is urged to monitor for symptoms for 21 days. If symptoms develop, individuals should call ahead before visiting a doctor, urgent care center or hospital so the facility can take precautions.
No information has been released about the patient or where they may have contracted the virus.
Health officials said the highly contagious virus can live in the air for up to two hours.
"This case is a reminder of how easily measles can spread among those who lack immunity,” Monroe County Health Officer Jamie Dean said in a statement. “Anyone not vaccinated is likely to become ill if exposed. We strongly encourage our community to educate themselves about their immunization status and to get vaccinated if they are not protected.”
Measles symptoms typically begin seven to 14 days after exposure but can take up to 21 days to appear. Symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, tiny white spots in the mouth and a red, blotchy rash that usually starts on the face.
This marks the eighth measles case reported in Michigan in 2026. According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, statewide coverage for the two-dose MMR vaccine in children ages 4 to 6 has dropped from 89% in 2017 to 66%. Nationwide, 1,575 confirmed cases have been reported in 32 other states so far this year.
For those who are not immune, an MMR vaccine administered within 72 hours of exposure can prevent illness. People exposed at the Milan clinic have until 11:30 a.m. on April 3 to receive the vaccine.
High-risk individuals, including infants under 1, pregnant women and the immunocompromised, may be eligible for immune globulin medication up to six days after exposure. Those exposed at the Ida church have through April 3 to receive the medication, while those exposed at the Milan clinic have through April 6.
The health department notes a single dose of the vaccine offers 93% protection and two doses provide 97% protection. Adults born before 1957 or those with evidence of prior measles illness are considered immune. Vaccinations are available through health care providers, pharmacies and the local health department.
