Measles Alert in Washtenaw County

Recently, the Washtenaw County Health Department reported a fourth suspected case of measles, along with additional locations and times where people may have been exposed.

The new case is thought to be a close contact of the first one reported on March 11. However, it’s important to note that lab tests have yet to confirm measles for this particular case.

“There’s a limited timeframe after a potential measles exposure during which we can offer vaccines or medications to prevent infection,” stated Juan Luis Marquez, the medical director at the Health Department. He emphasized the urgency because the last day for exposed infants, pregnant individuals, or those with compromised immune systems to receive preventative treatment is coming up on Monday.

The measles virus can linger in the air for as long as two hours, so people who visited these locations during the specified times could have been at risk:

• 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.
• March 17, 5 p.m. to 7:10 p.m. — Kroger, 2010 Whittaker Road, Ypsilanti, Michigan.

Anyone who was present at these sites during the mentioned hours should be on the lookout for measles symptoms for up to 21 days following exposure. If symptoms do occur, it’s advised that individuals contact their healthcare provider before seeking in-person care.

For those who might not be immune, immune globulin (IG) could be administered after exposure, particularly for high-risk groups such as infants under one year old, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals. This treatment is effective if given within six days post-exposure, meaning high-risk people who were at WCC or Kroger on March 17 have until March 23 to receive IG.

Generally, individuals with two properly spaced doses of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine (MMR) are deemed immune. Adults born before 1957 and those with documented measles history are also considered protected.

Unfortunately, the new exposure dates fall outside the 72-hour window for post-exposure MMR vaccination, which could have otherwise prevented illness.

Measles is highly contagious and spreads through direct contact and airborne transmission. Symptoms usually develop between 7 to 14 days after exposure but may take as long as 21 days to appear. These symptoms can include a high fever that may exceed 104°F, a cough, a runny nose, red eyes, white spots in the mouth, and a red, blotchy rash that typically starts on the face and spreads.

If symptoms arise, reach out to a healthcare provider before heading out for treatment. A single dose of MMR is approximately 93% effective at preventing measles, and two doses increase that to about 97%. The vaccine also remains effective if administered within 72 hours of exposure.

Routine vaccination rates have declined across the U.S. and in Michigan. Reports indicate that the two-dose MMR coverage for children aged 4 to 6 dropped from 89% in 2017 to 66% currently. As of January 2026, Washtenaw County’s coverage for that age group stands at 70%.

Vaccines are accessible through healthcare providers, pharmacies, and health departments. Families eligible for the Vaccines for Children program can receive the vaccine from participating providers at no charge.

The Washtenaw County Health Department accepts various insurances, including Medicaid and Medicare, and assures that services will not be denied based on the ability to pay.

To book a vaccine appointment at the department, call 734-544-6700. Walk-ins are also welcomed at their location in Ypsilanti on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.