Monroe County, Michigan – Health officials have confirmed measles cases in Monroe County and are warning residents about possible measles exposure in multiple locations.
The Monroe County Health Department announced the measles case in a news release Thursday, April 2, 2026.
“This case is a reminder of how easily measles spreads among people without immunity,” said Jamie Dean, health officer and director of the Monroe County Health Department. “Unvaccinated people are more likely to get sick if infected. We strongly encourage our communities to learn about their vaccination status and get vaccinated if they are not vaccinated.”
Additional details about the incident were not released. This is the eighth case reported in Michigan so far in 2026 and comes during a measles outbreak in Washtenaw County.
exposure site
Measles is transmitted by direct contact or airborne transmission. The virus can survive in the air for up to two hours. Anyone who was in the following locations on these dates and times may have been exposed and should monitor for symptoms for 21 days.
| position | date/time |
|---|---|
| Church of St. Joseph of Ida 8295 Van Aiken Street, Ida, MI 48140 |
March 28th (6pm to 9:30pm) |
| Trinity Health IHA Urgent Care – Milan 870 E. Arcona Road Suite 105, Milan, MI 48160 |
March 31st (11:30am – 5:30pm) |
symptoms
Symptoms of measles include:
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High fever (can soar above 104oF)
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cough
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snot
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Red and watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
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Two to three days after symptoms begin, small white spots (Koplik spots) appear on the inside of the cheeks, gums, and over the mouth.
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A red, raised patchy rash. It usually starts on the face and spreads to the trunk, arms, and legs 3 to 5 days after symptoms begin.
Symptoms usually begin 7 to 14 days after exposure, but can appear up to 21 days later.
What you need to know
According to health authorities, a person is considered immune to measles if they receive two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine spaced apart.
Adults born before 1957 are also considered immune, as are those with a documented history of measles.
For children, the MMR vaccine is usually given in two doses. The first vaccination is scheduled around 12 months of age and the second at 4 years of age. In some cases, the first vaccination may be given as early as 6 months of age.
If you have questions about your vaccination status or need to get vaccinated, please contact your health care provider, local pharmacy, or health department. 734-240-7800.
People who are not yet immune may sometimes be vaccinated to prevent measles or receive immune globulin (IG) after exposure.
According to a release from the health department.
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If you don’t already have immunity, the MMR vaccine can protect you from getting sick if you give it within 72 hours of exposure.
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Immune globulin (IG) is a drug that can prevent disease in high-risk people for six days after exposure. High-risk groups include infants under 1 year of age, pregnant women or immunocompromised people. Ask your healthcare provider about IG.
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High-risk individuals who were infected at St. Joseph Church in Ida on March 28th can receive IG tomorrow until April 3rd.
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High-risk individuals exposed at Trinity Health IHA Urgent Care in Milan on March 31 can receive IG until April 6
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measles vaccine
Health authorities say the one-dose measles vaccine is about 93% effective, and the two-dose vaccine is 97% effective.
Effective when used within 72 hours of exposure.
Nationwide, child immunization rates across Michigan have dropped from 89% in 2017 to 66% to date, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
People can contact their health care provider, pharmacy or the Monroe County Health Department about the vaccine.
For more information, please visit the Department of Health website.
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