Washtenaw County Reports Measles Case

by Kyle Davidson

After the first case of measles in Michigan since 2019 was reported in Oakland County on Feb. 23, county health departments are reporting two additional cases.

On Sunday, Wayne County Public Health reported a new case of measles in a Wayne County adult which was linked to international travel. It was not linked to the Oakland County case.

Wayne County Public Health is working with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to identify anyone who may have been exposed through this case. Those who had possible contact with the infected individual are being notified by Wayne County Public Health, but the department is also requesting individuals who meet certain criteria reach out to the department with their information. 

Individuals who have not yet been contacted by Wayne County Public Health, who have not been fully vaccinated for measles or are unsure of their vaccine status and who were present at four listed locations during specified times are advised to immediately email PHECC@waynecounty.com with their name, best phone number and address.

The four locations listed by the department include:

• WellStreet/Beaumont Urgent Care at 23100 Michigan Ave in Dearborn between 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 27.
• CVS Pharmacy (#8128) at 2701 S. Telegraph Rd in Dearborn between 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 27.
• Henry Ford GoHealth Urgent Care at 26763 Ford Rd in Dearborn Heights between 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Feb. 29.
• Corewell Emergency Department at 18101 Oakwood Blvd in Dearborn between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Feb. 29. 

Potentially exposed individuals are asked to contact the department to discuss the possibility of post-exposure treatment, which may prevent measles if received within six days of exposure.

They are also advised to self-monitor for the following symptoms for 21 days: 

• High fever which may spike to over 104 F
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
• Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums and roof of the mouth two to three days after symptoms begin
• A rash that is red, raised, blotchy which usually starts on the face and spreads to the trunk, arms and legs three to five days after symptoms begin

If symptoms develop, Wayne County Public Health urges residents to contact their health care provider before seeking care, so steps can be taken to prevent exposure for other individuals. 

In Washtenaw County, the health department reported a separate case of measles and warned residents of potential exposure at the Trinity Health Ann Arbor Emergency Department waiting and triage areas from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on March 1. It is working with DHHS  to investigate the case and prevent additional cases. 

While there is no ongoing risk, the department advised anyone exposed to monitor themselves for symptoms for 21 days, and for individuals with symptoms to call ahead before seeking care.

Individuals who have received two appropriately spaced doses of the measles vaccine are considered immune. Adults born before 1957 or who have evidence of prior measles infection are also immune, the Washtenaw County Health Department said. 

It also noted that children are routinely given the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine around 12 months of age and the second dose starting at 4 years old. 

“Measles is highly contagious and spreads easily through the air,” said Juan Luis Marquez, medical director for the Washtenaw County Health Department. “This means we need to alert people who may have been present to the possibility of exposure, especially because anyone not vaccinated is likely to become ill if exposed.”

The disease also spreads by direct person-to-person contact, with symptoms usually beginning seven to 14 days after exposure. 

According to Wayne County Public Health, 90% of unvaccinated people exposed to measles will become infected and one in five will be hospitalized. Those infected can spread measles before observing symptoms including four days before and four days after the rash appears. The virus can stay in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area. 

It also noted that the measles mumps and rubella vaccine is about 93% effective at preventing measles, while two doses are about 97% effective. The vaccine is also effective at preventing illness if used within 72 hours of exposure. 

Vaccines are available at primary care providers, pharmacies and through both Wayne County Public Health and Washtenaw County Health Department. While Wayne County noted that Medicaid and most insurance plans cover the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, Washtenaw County said its health department accepts Medicaid and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan but that it does not decline services if individuals are unable to pay.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Vaccines for Children program also provides children under 18 who are Medicaid-eligible, uninsured, underinsured or who have American Indian or Alaska Native heritage with no-cost vaccines at healthcare providers offices, pharmacies and health clinics participating in the program.