GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, Mich. (WPBN/WGTU) — A second confirmed case of measles was announced Friday, two days after the first case was confirmed.

The Grand Traverse County Health Department (GTCHD) said the second case of measles is linked to the first confirmed case, identified on June 18.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area.

Individuals who were present at the following locations may have been exposed and should monitor for symptoms for 21 days.

  • Chelsea Park West Apartment Complex – Located off of Hartman Rd in Traverse City, MI, Wednesday, June 4th through Friday, June 13th
  • Walmart Super Center – 2640 Crossing Cir., Traverse City, MI 49684, Saturday, June 14th from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Symptoms of measles usually begin 7-14 days after exposure, but can appear up to 21 days after exposure and may include:

  • High fever (may spike to over 104F).
  • Cough.
  • Runny nose.
  • Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis).
  • Tiny white spots on the inner cheeks, gums, and roof of the mouth (Koplik Spots) may appear two to three days after symptoms begin.
  • A rash that is red, raised, blotchy; usually starts on the face, spreads to trunk, arms, and legs three to five days after symptoms begin.

Anyone experiencing symptoms is urged to call their healthcare provider. If seeking in-person medical attention, call ahead to inform your doctor, urgent care, or emergency room of the potential measles exposure before arrival so facilities may take precautions to prevent exposure to other individuals.

In some cases, if it has been less than six days since the potential exposure, you may be able to receive post-exposure treatment that could prevent illness. Contact your healthcare provider, pharmacy, or local health department for vaccination and guidance.

The GTCHD has a measles hotline that can be reached during normal business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 231-995-6800.

In addition, the line will be monitored from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 21st, and from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sunday, June 22nd. If outside of office hours, Grand Traverse County residents can also contact 2-1-1.

“Disease investigations performed by our local health department are critical to ensuring we can limit the impact of diseases such as measles in our community,” said Mike Lahey, Health Officer at GTCHD. “It is important to consider staying up-to-date on all routine vaccinations, including the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, to prevent the spread of severe illness and disease.”