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Washtenaw County Flags Fourth Suspected Measles Case as Officials List New Exposure Sites

Officials emphasize rapid contact tracing alongside time‑limited post‑exposure protection to contain potential spread.

Overview

  • Health authorities report three confirmed, related measles cases in Washtenaw County, all unvaccinated, traced to an index adult who recently traveled to Florida.
  • The health department announced a fourth suspected case linked to the first patient, with laboratory confirmation still pending.
  • New potential exposures on March 17 were identified at two Washtenaw Community College classrooms and a Kroger in Ypsilanti, with those present asked to monitor for symptoms for 21 days and call providers before seeking in‑person care.
  • High‑risk people exposed at those sites may receive immune globulin for up to six days after exposure, with the window closing Monday, March 23; the 72‑hour period for post‑exposure MMR vaccination has passed for the March 17 exposures.
  • Officials note measles can linger in the air for up to two hours and are using detailed contact tracing and outdoor/mobile testing; no dedicated vaccine clinic is planned, but walk‑in MMR vaccination is available and two doses are about 97% effective.