Measles Case Reported in Michigan

Health officials in Washtenaw County have reported a confirmed case of Measles in an unvaccinated adult who likely became infected while traveling in Florida. At this time, there are no reported cases in Van Buren County or Cass County. Health officials are sharing this information because measles spreads very easily and can move between communities. This is the first reported measles case in Michigan in 2026, and public health officials are monitoring the situation closely.

Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can stay in the air for up to two hours after the person leaves the area. People who are not vaccinated are very likely to become sick if exposed.

Symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days after exposure, but they can appear up to 21 days later. Symptoms may include:

• High fever (sometimes higher than 104°F)
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red or watery eyes
• Small white spots inside the mouth
• A red rash that usually starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body

If you develop symptoms, call your healthcare provider before visiting a clinic, urgent care, or hospital. This helps healthcare staff prevent the virus from spreading to others.

The Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccine (MMR) is safe and very effective. One dose is about 93% effective, and two doses are about 97% effective at preventing measles. Most people are considered protected if they received two doses of the vaccine, were born before 1957, or previously had measles.

According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, childhood vaccination rates in Michigan have declined in recent years. Lower vaccination rates can increase the risk of measles outbreaks if the virus enters a community.

Residents are encouraged to check their vaccination records and make sure they are up to date. Vaccination protects you and also helps protect babies, pregnant individuals, and people with weakened immune systems.

To read the full press release and learn more about the situation in Washtenaw County, visit the Washtenaw County Health Department website: https://www.washtenaw.org/health