Washtenaw County Health Department officials on March 25 confirmed a seventh measles case tied to the local outbreak and added a new public exposure location at Trinity Health Ann Arbor.
Health officials said the newest case involves an unvaccinated Washtenaw County child who was a close contact of the county’s first reported case, announced March 11. Officials also said the suspect case announced March 21 is now confirmed, making previously announced exposure sites at Washtenaw Community College and Kroger on Whittaker Road confirmed public exposure locations.
The newly added exposure site is Trinity Health Ann Arbor emergency room treatment areas, not including the waiting area, from 1:45 to 7:28 p.m. Saturday, March 21, at 5301 McAuley Drive in Ypsilanti. The health department said it is working with Trinity Health to contact anyone potentially exposed who is not already considered immune.
Confirmed March 17 exposure sites include Washtenaw Community College’s Crane Liberal Arts Building, in or around Classroom 241, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; WCC’s Gunder Myron Building, in or around Classroom 332, from 1 to 5 p.m.; and Kroger on Whittaker Road in Ypsilanti from 5 to 7 p.m.
Health officials said measles remains a serious public health concern because it spreads so easily and can lead to dangerous complications. Susan Ringler Cerniglia, communications and community health promotion administrator for the Washtenaw County Health Department, said measles is one of the most contagious infections known and that if someone is not vaccinated or otherwise immune, there is a 9 in 10 chance they will get sick after being exposed.
“About 1 in 5 people who get measles will be sick enough to go to the hospital,” Ringler Cerniglia said. “Serious complications can include pneumonia and encephalitis and in rare cases, death.”
Dr. Lauren Gold, clinician at Zarminali Pediatrics at Ann Arbor West and Chelsea, said measles can also be difficult to contain because people are contagious before the rash appears, and early symptoms can look like other illnesses.
Anyone who was at one of the listed locations during the exposure windows should monitor for symptoms for 21 days after exposure. People who are not immune are advised to stay home and avoid public settings for 21 days after exposure. Anyone who develops symptoms should call ahead before seeking medical care so providers can take steps to protect others.
As of March 25, Washtenaw County has reported seven confirmed measles cases and one hospitalization. All seven confirmed cases involve unvaccinated individuals. Four of the confirmed cases are in children ages 5 to 17, one is in a child under 5, and two are adults.
The Washtenaw County Health Department has the full list of exposure locations, symptom guidance, vaccination information and clinic details on its website. The department can also be reached at 734-544-6700.
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