Wayne and Washtenaw counties each announced a case of measles on Sunday, with Oakland County adding a pediatric measles case last month.
The Washtenaw County Health Department announced in a news release Sunday that a case of measles was reported Friday at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Emergency Department in Ypsilanti.
Anyone who was in the triage and waiting areas of the Trinity Health Ann Arbor Emergency Department from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. may have been exposed. Anyone who was present should receive the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine within 72 hours, or no later than Monday, if they are not already considered immune to measles. Anyone who may have been exposed should monitor themselves for symptoms for 21 days.
People who have received two doses of measles vaccine, appropriately spaced, are considered immune. Adults born before 1957 or with evidence of previous measles infection are also considered immune, according to the Washtenaw County Health Department.
County Health Department spokeswoman Susan Ringler-Cerniglia said the case involves an adult who recently traveled internationally. Ringler-Cernilia said it's unclear whether the case is related to the Oakland or Wayne County cases.
The county health department said in a release Sunday that the Wayne County case is related to an adult from the county who traveled internationally. The release said the person was following isolation protocols, but did not say when the case was reported.
The state's first measles case since 2019 was confirmed on February 23 in a child in Oakland County.
“Measles is highly contagious and spreads easily through the air,” said Dr. Juan Luis Marquez, medical director for the Washtenaw County Health Department, in a release. “It means you need to be warned about possible exposure.” This is especially true for people who have not been vaccinated, as they are more likely to get sick if infected. ”
The Wayne County Public Health Department said it is working closely with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to identify anyone who may have been exposed. We have been notified by the Health Department of possible contact with this individual.
Wayne County officials ask that anyone who attends the locations and times below and is not fully vaccinated against measles, email their name, phone number, and address to PHECC@waynecounty.com.
- WellStreet/Beaumont Urgent Care, 23100 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, Tuesdays from 2 to 5:30 p.m.
- CVS Pharmacy at 2701 South Telegraph Road in Dearborn Tuesdays from 4 to 6:30 p.m.
- Henry Ford GoHealth Urgent Care, 26763 Ford Road in Dearborn Heights, Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Corewell Emergency Department (18101 Oakwood Blvd.) in Dearborn Thursdays from 3 to 8 p.m.
According to the World Health Organization, the disease is caused by a virus that is easily spread by an infected person's breathing, coughing, or sneezing. Measles can affect anyone, but it is most common in children, officials said.
Symptoms usually begin seven to 14 days after exposure, but can appear up to 21 days later, according to the Washtenaw County Health Department. Symptoms include high fever. Cough; runny nose; small white spots appear on the inside of the cheeks, gums, and over the mouth 2 to 3 days after symptoms begin. A rash that appears three to five days after the first symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
News of the measles case in Michigan comes amid a decline in routine immunizations nationwide. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported that measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination coverage for children ages 4 to 6 decreased from 89.4% in 2017 to 84% in 2022.
The Washtenaw County Health Department said vaccination rates for children 19 to 35 months of age decreased from 90% in 2017 to 81% in 2022. The state health department recommends vaccination for children 1 year of age and older.
“Vaccination is the single best way to protect yourself, your family, and the people you spend your days with,” said Wayne County Health Officer Dr. Abdul El-Sayed. “Given the increased risk of measles due to outbreaks in Europe and other regions, we strongly urge you to immediately check the vaccination status of yourself and your family and to get vaccinated if you have not already done so. It is recommended.”
