Washtenaw County confirms measles case; exposure locations identified in Ypsilanti, Canton

Washtenaw County has confirmed a case of measles in an unvaccinated adult in the area, with potential exposure sites identified in Ypsilanti and Canton. This is the first reported case in Michigan in 2026.

The individual had recently been in Florida, where they likely contracted the virus, a statement from the Washtenaw County Health Department said. The measles virus can live for up to two hours in the air and is highly contagious, the statement said. The health department is alerting the public of seven locations at various times and dates. Individuals present at the following might have been exposed:

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

Individuals with two, appropriately spaced doses of measles vaccine are considered immune, the statement said. Vaccinated individuals are typically not at risk of severe illness, said Susan Ringler Cerniglia, public information officer for the health department. For fully vaccinated individuals, the measles vaccine is about 97% effective in preventing the disease.

"We're worried about those folks that are unvaccinated or perhaps vulnerable because of pregnancy or being immunocompromised," Ringler Cerniglia said to The Eastern Echo.

Close contacts of the individual with measles are being directly contacted, she said. 

Measles is a highly contagious diseases preventable by vaccine, the statement said. Symptoms typically begin between seven to 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.

People not already immune to measles can be given the vaccine or medicine after exposure in some cases to prevent the disease, the statement said. A dose of the vaccine within 72 hours of exposure can prevent illness if someone is not already immune; anyone exposed at the Canton Urgent Care Walk-In Clinic on March 8 still has through March 11 to get vaccinated.

Immune globulin is a medicine that can prevent illness in high-risk individuals up to six days after exposure, the statement said. High-risk groups include infants under one year old and pregnant or immunocompromised individuals. These individuals should contact their health provider to receive immune globulin.

High-risk individuals exposed at T-Mobile or Cricket Wireless on March 5 can get immune globulin through March 11. High-risk individuals exposed at the CVS or Cricket Wireless on March 6 can get immune globulin through March 12, those exposed at the Ypsi Urgent Care Walk-In Clinic on March 7 can get it through March 13, and those exposed at the Canton Urgent Care Walk-In Clinic on March 8 can get it through March 14.

"Vaccination is available from health care providers, pharmacies and health departments. Children eligible for the Vaccines for Children program may 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. "The Health Department does not decline services if individuals are unable to pay."

People can call 734-544-6700 to set up a vaccine appointment at the 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.

About one in five people who contract measles will be hospitalized, the statement from the health department said. 

A total of 1,281 confirmed cases were reported in the United States in 2026, as of March 5, the Centers for Disease Control reported.

Across the country and in Michigan, routine immunization coverage has dropped, the health department reported. As of January 2026, measles vaccine coverage for 4- to 6-year-olds in Washtenaw County is 70%. Drops in immunization coverage are due to multiple reasons, including once-fringe vaccine skepticism that has entered more prominent debate, Ringler Cerniglia said.  

While the vaccine, like any medical intervention, carries some risk, that risk is extraordinarily small, Ringler Cerniglia said. The measles vaccine is safe and effective, she said.  

"Anyone not fully vaccinated against measles is encouraged to do so as soon as possible," the health department statement said.