MONROE COUNTY, Mich. – Health officials have confirmed a measles case in Monroe County and are warning residents about possible exposure at multiple locations.
The Monroe County Health Department announced the measles case in a news release on Thursday, April 2, 2026.
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“This case is a reminder of how easily measles can spread among those who lack immunity,” said Jamie Dean, Health Officer/Director of the Monroe County Health Department. “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.”
Additional details about the case were not released. This is the eighth case reported in Michigan so far in 2026, and comes amid a measles outbreak in Washtenaw County.
Exposure sites
Measles is spread through direct contact or through the air. The virus can live in the air for up to two hours. Anyone who was at the following locations during these dates and times may have been exposed and should monitor themselves for symptoms for 21 days.
| Location | Date/Time |
|---|---|
| St. Joseph Church of Ida 8295 Van Aiken Street, Ida, MI 48140 | March 28 (6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.) |
| Trinity Health IHA Urgent Care – Milan 870 E. Arkona Rd. Suite 105, Milan, MI 48160 | March 31 (11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.) |
Symptoms
Measles symptoms may include the following:
- High fever (may spike over 104oF)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums and roof of the mouth (Koplik Spots) two to three days after symptoms begin
- A rash that is red, raised, blotchy; usually starts on face, spreads to trunk, arms and legs three to five days after symptoms begin
Symptoms usually start 7-14 days after being exposed, but can appear up to 21 days later.
What to know
If you have received two spaced doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, you are considered immune to measles, health officials said.
Adults born before 1957 are also considered immune, as is anyone with a documented history of measles.
For children, the MMR vaccine is typically given in two doses. The first is scheduled around 12 months of age, with the second following at age 4. In some cases, the first dose can be given as early as 6 months old.
If you have questions about your vaccination status or need to get vaccinated, contact your health care provider, a local pharmacy, or the health department at 734-240-7800.
People who aren’t already immune can get vaccinated or receive immunoglobulin (IG) after exposure in some cases to prevent measles.
According to the release from the health department:
- A dose of the MMR vaccine given within 72 hours of exposure can prevent illness if not already immune.
- Anyone exposed at the Trinity Health IHA Urgent Care - Milan on March 31 will have through April 3 by 11:30 AM 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 St. Joseph Church of Ida on March 28 can get IG through tomorrow, April 3.
- High-risk individuals exposed at Trinity Health IHA Urgent Care - Milan on March 31 can get IG through April 6
Measles Vaccines
According to health officials, a single dose of the measles vaccine is about 93% effective, while two doses are 97% effective.
It is also effective if used within 72 hours of being exposed.
Across Michigan, routine immunization coverage for children has dropped from 89% in 2017 to 66% to date, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
People can contact health care providers, pharmacies and the Monroe County Health Department for vaccines.
For more information, visit the health department’s website.