WASHTENAW COUNTY, Mich. – A measles case has been confirmed in Washtenaw County, and health officials are notifying the public about possible exposure at multiple locations.
The case was confirmed in an unvaccinated adult who was recently in Florida, according to a release from the Washtenaw County Health Department.
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Officials said the adult likely contracted measles while they were in Florida.
“Measles is highly contagious and spreads easily though the air,” says Juan Luis Marquez, MD, MPH, medical director with Washtenaw County Health Department. “This means we need to alert people who may have been exposed. Anyone not vaccinated is likely to become ill if exposed.”
This is the first case reported in Michigan this year, according to the release.
List of exposure sites
Anyone present at the following locations, during the listed times and dates, may have been exposed:
| Date | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Wed, March 4 | Sidetrack Bar & Grill 56 E Cross St, Ypsilanti, MI 48198 | 7:45 p.m. - 1 p.m. |
| Thurs, March 5 | T-Mobile 2044 Whittaker Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197 | 6:00 pm to 8:40 pm |
| Thurs, March 5 | Cricket Wireless Roundtree Place Shopping Center 2547 Ellsworth Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197 | 6:55 pm to 8:55 pm |
| Fri, March 6 | CVS Pharmacy 1415 E Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti, MI 48198 | 4:00 pm to 6:07 pm |
| Fri, March 6 | Cricket Wireless Roundtree Place Shopping Center 2547 Ellsworth Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197 | 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm |
| Sat, March 7 | Ypsilanti Urgent Care Walk-In Clinic 301 W Michigan Ave #100, Ypsilanti, MI 48197 | 7:15 pm to 9:27 pm |
| Sun, March 8 | Canton Urgent Care Walk-In Clinic 43033 Ford Road, Canton, MI 48187 | 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm |
Measles is spread person-to-person and through the air. The virus can live in the air for up to two hours.
Anyone who visited any of the locations listed above should monitor themselves for symptoms for 21 days following the exposure, officials said.
“Importantly, there is no cause for ongoing concern at these locations,” continues Dr. Marquez. “The individual was isolated as soon as measles was suspected and is recovering.”
Symptoms
Symptoms usually start 7-14 days after being exposed, but can sometimes appear up to 21 days later.
Measles symptoms include the following:
- 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
What to know about measles vaccine
People who have received two spaced doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine are generally considered protected against measles.
Adults born before 1957, as well as people who can confirm they previously had measles, are considered immune.
For children, the first MMR dose is typically given at around 12 months of age, with the second dose recommended beginning at age four.
In some cases, the first dose may be administered as early as six months.
Anyone not already immune to measles, vaccination or medication (IG) may be given after exposure in some cases to prevent measles (post-exposure prophylaxis):
--> A dose of the MMR vaccine given within 72 hours of exposure can prevent illness if not already immune.
- Anyone exposed at the Canton Urgent Care Walk-In Clinic on 3/8 will still have through today (3/11) to get vaccinated.
--> Immune globulin (IG) is a medicine that can prevent illness in high-risk individuals up to six days after exposure. High-risk groups include infants under one year old and pregnant or immunocompromised individuals. Contact your health care provider for IG.
- High-risk individuals exposed at the T-Mobile on 3/5 or the Cricket Wireless on 3/5 can get IG through today (3/11).
- High-risk individuals exposed at the CVS on 3/6 or the Cricket Wireless on 3/6 can get IG through tomorrow (3/12).
- High-risk individuals exposed at the Ypsi Urgent Care Walk-In Clinic on 3/7 can get IG through 3/13.
- High-risk individuals exposed at the Canton Urgent Care Walk-In Clinic on 3/8 can get IG through 3/14.
“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,” health officials said. “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.”
People can call 734-544-6700 to schedule a vaccine appointment at the Washtenaw County Health Department, or walk in during the following times at 555 Towner in Ypsilanti:
- Tuesdays from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
- Thursdays from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
- Fridays from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
For more information, click here.