Washtenaw County Health Department announced a fourth suspected case of measles Saturday and published new exposure locations and times.
The latest case is a close contact of the first case announced March 11. Laboratory testing has not yet confirmed measles for this case.
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“There is a limited time after a potential measles exposure when we can offer vaccine or medication to prevent infection,” said Juan Luis Marquez, MD, MPH, medical director with Washtenaw County Health Department in a news release. “We are announcing this suspect case immediately because the last day for exposed infants and pregnant or immunocompromised individuals to receive preventative IG treatment is Monday.”
The measles virus can live in the air for up to two hours. People who were at the following locations during the listed dates and times may have been exposed:
March 17, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Crane Liberal Arts Building, in or around Classroom 241, Washtenaw Community College, 4800 E. Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
March 17, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. — Gunder Myron Building, in or around Classroom 332, Washtenaw Community College, 4800 E. Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
March 17, 5 p.m. to 7:10 p.m. — Kroger, 2010 Whittaker Road, Ypsilanti, Michigan.
Anyone who was at those locations during the specified times should monitor for measles symptoms for 21 days after exposure, the health department said.
If symptoms appear, people should call their health care provider. The department asked that people not seek in-person care without calling the doctor’s office, urgent care or emergency room first.
For people who are not already immune, immune globulin (IG) may be given after exposure to high-risk individuals to help prevent measles. High-risk people include infants younger than 1 year, pregnant people and immunocompromised individuals.
IG can be given up to six days after exposure. The health department said high-risk people exposed at WCC or Kroger on March 17 can receive IG through Monday, March 23. Contact a health care provider to arrange IG.
People with two appropriately spaced doses of measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (MMR) are considered immune. Adults born before 1957 and people with documented prior measles illness are also generally considered immune.
The new potential exposures on March 17 are outside the 72-hour window for post-exposure MMR vaccination to prevent illness.
Measles is highly contagious and spread by direct person-to-person contact and through the air.
Symptoms typically begin seven to 14 days after exposure but can appear up to 21 days after exposure. They may include high fever (which can spike above 104 F), cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis), tiny white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots) two to three days after symptoms begin, and a red, blotchy rash that usually starts on the face before spreading to the trunk, arms and legs three to five days after symptoms begin.
If symptoms develop, call your doctor, urgent care or hospital before seeking in-person treatment.
A single dose of MMR is about 93% effective at preventing measles; two doses are about 97% effective. The vaccine is also effective if given within 72 hours of exposure to help prevent illness. .
Routine immunization coverage has dropped across the U.S. and in Michigan. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reports that two-dose MMR coverage for children ages 4 to 6 fell from 89% in 2017 to 66% to date. As of January 2026, Washtenaw County’s two-dose coverage for 4- to 6-year-olds was 70%.
Vaccination is available from health care providers, pharmacies and health departments. Children eligible for the Vaccines for Children program may receive the vaccine from enrolled providers at no cost.
The Washtenaw County Health Department accepts Medicaid, Medicare, Washtenaw Health Plan and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. The department said it does not decline services if people cannot pay.
To schedule a vaccine appointment at the health department, call 734-544-6700. Walk-ins are accepted at 555 Towner Street in Ypsilanti on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.