A second measles case has been confirmed in Washtenaw County, and now a mall and a gym have been added to the list of exposure sites.
This new case is a close contact of the first measles case that was announced on March 11, according to a release from the Washtenaw County Health Department.
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The first case involved an unvaccinated adult who was recently in Florida. Health officials said this second person who contracted measles has been quarantined since exposure to that other person was identified.
“Unfortunately, we expect to see additional cases in exposed, unvaccinated individuals, as measles is very contagious,” said Juan Luis Marquez, MD, MPH, medical director with Washtenaw County Health Department. “We urge people to protect themselves and their families with MMR vaccination if they haven’t already.”
With the new case, two more potential exposure sites have been announced.
The exposure locations include several places in Ypsilanti, one in Ann Arbor, and one in Canton Township.
Anyone present at the following locations, during the listed times and dates, may have been exposed:
| Date | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Wed, March 4* | Crunch Fitness 3020 Washtenaw Ave, Ypsilanti, MI 48197 | 5 p.m. to 8:40 p.m. |
| Wed, March 4 | Sidetrack Bar & Grill 56 E Cross St, Ypsilanti, MI 48198 | 7:45 p.m. to 1 p.m. |
| Thurs, March 5* | Briarwood Mall 100 Briarwood Cir, Ann Arbor, MI 48108 | 3 p.m. to |
| Thurs, March 5 | T-Mobile 2044 Whittaker Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197 | 6 p.m. to 8:40 p.m. |
| Thurs, March 5 | Cricket Wireless Roundtree Place Shopping Center 2547 Ellsworth Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197 | 6:55 p.m. to 8:55 p.m. |
| Fri, March 6 | CVS Pharmacy 1415 E Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti, MI 48198 | 4 p.m. to 6:07 p.m. |
| Fri, March 6 | Cricket Wireless Roundtree Place Shopping Center 2547 Ellsworth Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197 | 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. |
| Sat, March 7 | Ypsilanti Urgent Care Walk-In Clinic 301 W Michigan Ave #100, Ypsilanti, MI 48197 | 7:15 p.m. to 9:27 p.m. |
| Sun, March 8 | Canton Urgent Care Walk-In Clinic 43033 Ford Road, Canton Township, MI 48187 | 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. |
*These locations were added on March 12 when the second measles case was reported.
Measles is spread person-to-person and through the air. The virus can live in the air for up to two hours.
Health officials said anyone who was at any of the locations at the times listed above should monitor themselves for measles symptoms for 21 days.
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, the 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 may be given medication after exposure in some cases to prevent measles:
Here’s what the health department said about the medication:
- “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 CVS on 3/6 or the Cricket Wireless on 3/6 can get IG through 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 other exposure dates and locations are outside of the timeframe for this medication to be administered.
“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.