Measles Outbreak in Washtenaw County: Cases Rise Amidst Declining Vaccination Rates
Washtenaw County, Michigan is currently experiencing a measles outbreak, with four confirmed or suspected cases reported since March 11, 2026. This outbreak comes as measles cases are on the rise nationally, a trend linked to declining vaccination rates and increasing skepticism towards vaccines, particularly following changes in federal vaccine policy under Department of Health & Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Initial Cases and Exposure Locations
The first case in Washtenaw County since 2024 was identified on March 11, 2026. Additional confirmed cases were reported on March 19 and March 21, with a fourth suspected case announced on March 21. All individuals infected to date have been close contacts of the initial case.
The Washtenaw County Health Department has identified potential public exposure locations, including:
- Kroger, 2010 Whittaker Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197 – March 17, 5:00 PM to 7:10 PM
- Washtenaw Community College (WCC), 4800 E Huron River Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 – March 17, 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM (Crane Liberal Arts Building, Classroom 241 & Gunder Myron Building, Classroom 332)
Individuals who were present at these locations during the specified times are advised to monitor themselves for symptoms for 21 days after exposure.
National Trends and Vaccination Rates
The rise in cases in Washtenaw County reflects a broader national trend. Measles was considered eliminated in the U.S. In 2000, but cases are increasing, with 2025 and 2026 expected to see record numbers. This resurgence is attributed to declining vaccination rates.
Childhood vaccination rates in Michigan have decreased since Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Took office. A recent analysis found that the percentage of toddlers under three fully vaccinated fell nearly three percentage points to 66.5% since January 2025.
Impact of Policy Changes and Public Trust
On January 5, 2026, the Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS), under Secretary Kennedy Jr.’s leadership, overhauled the official recommended childhood immunization schedule, reducing the number of universally recommended vaccines from 17 to 11. While the MMR vaccine remains recommended, this change has been widely criticized by physicians and health experts, who express concerns about increased confusion regarding vaccine safety. A federal judge struck down the changes on March 16, 2026, but the administration plans to appeal the decision.
Experts suggest that public trust in vaccines has been eroded, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This decline in trust contributes to lower vaccination rates and increases the risk of outbreaks of preventable diseases like measles.
Measles: Symptoms, Risks, and Prevention
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection. Symptoms include cough and a characteristic rash that spreads across the body. Complications of measles, particularly in children, can include blindness, brain swelling, diarrhea, ear infections, and severe breathing problems like pneumonia. An estimated 95,000 people died from measles globally in 2024, most of whom were children under five years of age.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine as the most effective way to prevent measles, with a 97% efficacy rate. The MMR vaccine is typically administered in two doses: one between 12 and 15 months, and another between ages 4 and 6.
What to Do If You Suspect Exposure
Individuals who are unsure of their vaccination status are encouraged to check their records or consult with a healthcare provider. Vaccination or preventative medication (IG treatment) can be administered within a limited timeframe after potential exposure. For infants and immunocompromised individuals, the window for preventative treatment is particularly short.
If you experience symptoms of measles, it is crucial to contact your healthcare provider *before* seeking in-person treatment to prevent potential spread of the virus.