GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY — A second case of measles has been confirmed in Grand Traverse County, and local health officials are warning residents about possible exposure at two locations in Traverse City.
The Grand Traverse County Health Department announced Thursday that the latest case is linked to the first confirmed case identified June 18. Health officials are monitoring close contacts and say more cases may be identified in the coming days.
According to the health department, individuals who were at the following locations during the listed timeframes may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus:
- Chelsea Park West Apartment Complex off Hartman Road, from Wednesday, June 4, through Friday, June 13
- Walmart Supercenter, 2640 Crossing Circle, Saturday, June 14, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Anyone who visited these locations during the identified times should monitor for symptoms for 21 days after exposure. Symptoms typically begin 7 to 14 days after exposure but can take up to 21 days to appear.
Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a red blotchy rash that typically starts on the face and spreads. Small white spots inside the mouth may also appear early in the illness.
“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 for Grand Traverse County. “It is important to consider staying up-to-date on all routine vaccinations, including the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.”
Those experiencing symptoms are urged to contact a healthcare provider before visiting in person to help prevent further spread. In some cases, if exposure occurred less than six days prior, post-exposure treatment may help prevent illness.
The Grand Traverse County Health Department has set up a measles hotline available during regular business hours Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 231-995-6800. The line will also be monitored Saturday, June 21, and Sunday, June 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Residents can also call 2-1-1 for assistance outside of those hours.
For more information on vaccinations or symptoms, contact your doctor or the health department.