On Friday, March 1, 2024, the Washtenaw County Health Department reported their first case of measles since 2019. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Trinity Health Ann Arbor have been working alongside Washtenaw County to investigate causes and solutions to this issue. 

The measles, also known as rubeola, is a serious viral infection. It’s known to be highly contagious, commonly spread through airborne respiratory droplets (coughs or sneezes), saliva, skin-to-skin contact, or contact with a contaminated surface. 

Some common symptoms of this virus include cold-like symptoms (runny nose, sneezing, and a cough), red or watery eyes, body aches and pain, and a high fever. It can also lead to some more serious problems such as pneumonia and encephalitis (brain inflammation). 

To protect yourself and others around you from the measles virus, it’s important to consider the measles vaccination (MMR). It has proven to be highly effective, as a single dose is about 93% effective and two doses is about 97% effective. To learn more about measles and the vaccine, or to schedule an appointment to get vaccinated, reach out to the Washtenaw County Health Department or your pediatrician’s office.