WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI – A second case of measles has been recognized in Washtenaw County, and well being officers are warning the general public about the potential for publicity.The potential publicity areas embrace Ann Arbor-area pharmacies, medical places of work, a hospital, an pressing care facility and an College of Michigan dormitory, based on an announcement issued Thursday, March 21.The brand new case is an grownup with out prior immunity to measles who was uncovered to the primary native case, reported on March 3, based on the Washtenaw County Well being Division.Learn extra: What it’s essential find out about measles in Washtenaw CountyThe division has issued an inventory of publicity areas and timeframes for the second case of the highly-contagious illness that spreads by direct person-to-person contact and thru the air however is preventable by means of vaccination. The measles virus can stay for as much as two hours within the air, and anybody on the publicity websites through the timeframes listed could have been uncovered, officers stated.A listing of potential publicity areas and occasions for a second native case of measles reported by the Washtenaw County Well being Division on Thursday, March 21, 2024. Anybody current at one of many areas on the listed date and time ought to monitor themselves for signs for 21 days and, in the event that they develop, name forward earlier than searching for medical care to keep away from exposing others, officers say.Anybody doubtlessly uncovered to the measles case ought to monitor themselves for signs for 21 days after publicity, well being officers stated.Signs often start seven to 14 days after publicity and may embrace:A excessive fever, which can spike to over 104 degreesCoughRunny noseRed, watery eyesTiny white spots on the inside cheeks, gums and roof of the mouth two to 3 days after signs beginA rash that’s crimson, raised and blotchy, often beginning on the face and spreading to the truck, legs and arms three to 5 days after signs beginIf signs develop, well being officers advocate calling a physician, pressing care or hospital earlier than searching for therapy to keep away from doubtlessly exposing others to the illness.“This case illustrates why we work so onerous to include measles,” stated Dr. Juan Luis Marquez, medical director with the well being division, in an announcement. “Folks with out immunity from vaccination or a previous sickness are very more likely to turn into in poor health if uncovered, and about one in 5 would require hospitalization.”Vaccinated persons are unlikely to be contaminated, with simply three in each 100 uncovered to measles turning into in poor health if they arrive into contact with virus, based on the U.S. Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention.“This alert is extra pressing for anybody doubtlessly uncovered to the confirmed case,” Marques stated. “However it’s also a important reminder for everybody to examine their vaccination standing and ensure safety towards measles.”The well being division presents measles vaccine tips, and the knowledge can be accessible from a well being care supplier or pharmacy. Since greater than 72 hours have handed since potential publicity to the second case, it’s too late for speedy vaccination to stop an infection, well being officers stated.The MMR vaccine, serving to forestall measles an infection, is routinely given to youngsters with a primary dose at about 12 months of age and a second dose beginning at age 4, based on the well being division. Folks with two appropriately spaced doses or adults born earlier than 1957, or who’ve proof of prior measles sickness, are thought of immune.Well being officers urge anybody not presently totally vaccinated towards measles to take action as quickly as attainable.Throughout the U.S. and Michigan, routine immunization protection has dropped. For kids between 19 and 35-months-old, MMR protection in Washtenaw County decreased from 90% in 2017 to 81% in 2022, based on the well being division.Michigan noticed the primary confirmed case of measles since 2019 in February in Oakland County, and since instances have since additionally been reported in Wayne and Washtenaw counties.Vaccination is out there by means of the well being division, well being care suppliers and pharmacies, and a few youngsters are eligible for no-cost vaccines. The well being division doesn’t decline providers if people are unable to pay, officers stated.Need extra Ann Arbor-area information? Bookmark the native Ann Arbor information web page, the Ypsilanti-area information web page or join the free “3@3 Ann Arbor” day by day publication.Extra from The Ann Arbor Information