New measles exposure locations identified at Washtenaw Community College, in Ypsilanti

The Washtenaw County Health Department has reported a fourth suspect case of measles, as well as new exposure locations in Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor related to this case. On March 19, 2026, the health department officially declared a measles outbreak in Washtenaw County after confirming three cases of the disease.

The new, suspect case was a close contact of the first case announced, March 11, 2026, and has symptoms consistent with measles and known exposure. The disease has not yet been confirmed with laboratory testing, the health department announced in a March 21 statement.

Read more: Washtenaw County confirms measles outbreak

The measles virus is highly contagious and can live up to two hours in the air. The new exposure locations have been identified as the following:

Anyone at these locations during the specific times and dates listed should monitor themselves for measles symptoms for 21 days after exposure, the statement said. If symptoms appear, individuals should call their health care provider and should not seek in-person medical treatment without first calling the doctor's office, urgent care or emergency room.

For people not already immune to measles, immune globulin medication can be given after exposure to high-risk individuals to prevent measles, the statement said. High-risk individuals include infants under one year old and pregnant or immunocompromised individuals.

“There is a limited time after a potential measles exposure when we can offer vaccine or medication to prevent infection,” said Juan Luis Marquez, medical director with Washtenaw County Health Department, in a statement. “We are announcing this suspect case immediately because the last day for exposed infants and pregnant or immunocompromised individuals to receive preventative IG treatment is Monday.”

Immune globulin can be given up to six days after exposure. High-risk individuals exposed at Kroger or WCC on March 17 can receive the medication through Monday, March 23, and should contact their health care provider for treatment.

Symptoms typically begin between seven and 14 days but can start up to 21 days after exposure. Symptoms include high fever, 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, and a rash that is red, raised and blotchy that usually starts on the face and spreads to the trunk, arms and legs three to five days after symptoms begin.

Read more: What to know about measles in Washtenaw County - The Eastern Echo

The statement said that the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella, is highly effective and very safe. 

Vaccination is available from health care providers, pharmacies and health departments. Children eligible for the CDC's Vaccines for Children program could receive the vaccine from a provider enrolled in that program at no cost.

The Washtenaw County Health Department accepts Medicaid, Medicare, Washtenaw Health Plan and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, the statement said. While vaccines from the health department are not free, they are provided on a sliding fee scale, and no one will be turned away for being unable to pay, especially amid an active outbreak, Susan Ringler Cerniglia told The Eastern Echo in a previous interview. Ringler Cerniglia is the public information officer for the county health department.

People can call 734-544-6700 to set up a vaccine appointment at the Washtenaw County Health Department. Walk-in vaccinations are available at 555 Towner St. in Ypsilanti at the following times: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

"Anyone not fully vaccinated against measles is encouraged to do so as soon as possible. About one in five unvaccinated people who get measles will be hospitalized. Serious complications include pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), death, and complications during pregnancy," the health department statement said.

Individuals with two, appropriately spaced doses of the MMR vaccine, which prevents measles, mumps and rubella, are considered immune to the disease, the health department reported. For fully vaccinated individuals, the measles vaccine is about 97% effective in preventing the disease. A single dose of measles vaccine is about 93% effective at preventing measles.

Additionally, adults born before 1957 or those who have evidence of prior measles illness are considered immune, the health department reported. 

People who grew up in Michigan can check their vaccination status through the state's immunization portal online. Records can also be requested from one's health care provider or through the county health department. The Washtenaw County Health Department can issue an immunization record for any Michigan resident, its website said.

A blood draw can also confirm immunity, Ringler Cerniglia said. She added that there is no harm in getting an additional MMR vaccine if immunization is difficult to confirm.

The Washtenaw County Health Department previously identified the following locations at the listed times and dates as potential exposure sites: