Measles Case Confirmed In Washtenaw County

YPSILANTI (WWJ) -- Health officials in Washtenaw County have confirmed a case of measles in an adult who recently traveled outside of the country.

The person is receiving medical treatment after being seen at the University of Michigan East Ann Arbor Health and Geriatrics Center on Thursday.

In Michigan, there was one case of measles identified in 2015 and five total cases in 2014.

As a precaution, individuals who were in the Center on Thursday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. are advised to seek vaccination, if not fully vaccinated with two doses of Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR).

Vaccination is not necessary if an individual has a prior history of measles illness. Individuals born before 1957 are assumed to have natural immunity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"The MMR vaccination is extremely effective at preventing illness," Dr. Jessie Kimbrough Marshall, medical director for Washtenaw County Public Health, says.

"While we urge all eligible persons to vaccinate, it is especially important for anyone who is unimmunized and has potential exposure to this case to vaccinate against measles immediately," Marshall said.

The illness starts with a runny nose, red eyes, cough, fever and sore throat. Tiny white spots may appear in the mouth. A raised, red rash appears on the third to fifth day of illness.

Droplets from the nose or mouth, through sneezing, coughing or speaking, spread measles.

The rash typically starts on the face and spreads down the body and out to the arms and legs. Symptoms start seven to 14 days after being exposed to measles, and last 1 to 2 weeks.