On Friday, March 1, at Trinity Health Ann Arbor, formerly known as St. Joe’s Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County saw its first reported case of measles since 2019.
Individuals that were present there between the hours of 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. were encouraged to get the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine if they had not already. Anyone with two doses, spaced at least 4 weeks apart, is considered immune.
The case has been contained, and everyone exposed has been notified. The virus is highly contagious, but not expected to grow at this moment.
“From what we know at this point, we do not expect to see additional cases,” Susan Ringler-Cerniglia, administrator for the Washtenaw County Health Department, said.
Since the disease is easily spreadable, it’s important to know the symptoms. Anyone experiencing high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums and roof of the mouth (Koplik Spots) two to three days after symptoms begin, and a rash that is red, raised, and blotchy, which usually starts on the face, spreads to trunk, arms and legs three to five days after symptoms begin, should immediately see a doctor. Symptoms usually present one to two weeks after exposure but can appear up to three weeks after exposure.
The best way to stay safe is to get the vaccine. Just one dose is 93% effective in protecting against measles, and two doses are 97% effective. A vaccine administered within 72 hours after exposure can prevent infection.
“Additionally, if someone is at higher risk or can’t be vaccinated (like infants, immunocompromised, or pregnant people), immune globulin (Ig) can be given within six days of exposure,” Ringler-Cerniglia said.
Measles is dangerous because it’s easily contracted and can lead to lasting effects. The disease is serious for everybody, but children younger than five, adults over 20, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems are more susceptible to complications. One in five unvaccinated people in the U.S. who contract measles ends up hospitalized.
Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state “As many as 1 out of every 20 children with measles gets pneumonia, the most common cause of death from measles in young children.”
Out of every 1,000 children who get infected with measles, one will develop encephalitis (swelling of the brain). This is very dangerous and can lead to deafness and intellectual disabilities, as well as death. Kids who get measles can also die from respiratory and neurological complications. Measles can cause premature and low-weight birth in unvaccinated pregnant women.
Vaccines are available at pharmacies, such as CVS and Walgreens, and at the Washtenaw County Health Department.
For more information, visit the Washtenaw County Health Department's website.
